Around 15,000 farmers of the All Indian Kisan Sabha (AIKS), who set out on a protest march from Nashik last week, reached Mumbai on Sunday. They started their journey from Mulund on Saturday night.
The farmers intend to gherao the Vidhan Bhavan in Mumbai on Monday and voice their demands, which include a complete farm loan waiver, implementation of the recommendations of the M.S. Swaminathan Commission, providing forest rights and better compensation for land acquired by the government.
Here are the latest updates:
Farmers are continuing their march towards Azad Maidan, well past midnight. Though the earlier decision was to continue the rally at 11 am on March 12, the All Indian Kisan Sabha decided to go ahead with the march at night in order to avoid causing inconvenience to public.
They intend to reach Vidan Sabha by 2.30 am.
Farmers gather in large number at Somaiya ground before heading towards South Mumbai. | Photo Credit: Prashant Waydande
"We do not want to put citizens of Mumbai or SSC students in any trouble. But we will reach Azad Maidan. Therefore, we have decided to start walking past midnight," AIKS National Secretary Ashok Dhawale.
The rally crossed the Kannamwar Nagar on Sunday evening around 5.30 p.m. Meanwhile, Kisan Sabha general secretary
Ajit Navale on Sunday said that the farmers' rally will only begin after 11 a.m. on March 12 to avoid any inconvenience to schoolchildren attending their board exams.
As the rally reached Ramabai Nagar in Mumbai around 6.30 p.m., it was welcomed by the locals with fireworks.
Aditya Thackeray speaks to the farmers. | Photo Credit: Aditya Anand
Shiv Sena leader Aditya Thackeray addresses the rally, says: "I promise you today, Shiv Sena will support this movement in whatever way we can. No matter what our colour is, we are from the land. Despite being from different parties, our demands are the same. We don't believe in Karz Maafi (loan waiver), Maafi is for criminals. We demand Karz Mukti.
"Shiv Sena, unlike other parties, does not only talk but also listens to the people. Uddhav Thackeray has sent me to assure you that we support your cause and we will stand shoulder to shoulder with you to fight for your rights." - reports Ajeet Mahale.
About hundred people join the march from Vikhroli. The locals are welcoming the farmers by throwing flowers.
Members of Prakash Yashwant Ambedkar's Bharip Bahujan Mahasangh and Centre Of Indian Trade Unions greet the farmers as the rally crosses Kanjurmarg Junction.
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena leader Aditya Thackeray meets AIKS leaders.
Tagore Nagar Gurudwara provides refreshment. They are serving Poha and water to all farmers. | Photo Credit: Ajeet Mahale
Water Resources & Irrigation Minister, Girish Mahajan, on behalf of the Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis government has asked five representatives from AIKS to come and meet the CM.
Mr. Mahajan is currently in discussion with farmer leaders in a building near the Eastern Express Highway, reports Mumbai reporter Aditya Anand.
NCP MLA Jitendra Awhad addressed Farmer Rally says he does not believe that the government can deliver on their promises. "You've woken up Mumbai. Really praise brothers and sisters from Nashik for taking up the cause of all farmers of Maharashtra. You've managed to bring this city to a halt. Only George Fernandes, Datta Samant and Bal Thackeray managed to do this prior to you," he says.
Akhilesh Singh, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone VII), had said: “The farmers are being accommodated at the now defunct octroi plaza in Mulund (East). They have made their own arrangements for food. We are collaborating with different organisations to provide them with water and medical facilities.”
Adequate personnel have been deployed along the Eastern Express Highway.