Maharashtra farmers' long march

Maharashtra farmers' long march: Rahul extends support, top 10 developments

After an arduous journey of almost 170 km that started on March 5, a swarm of farmers participating in 'kisan long march' to voice their demands to the Maharashtra government, finally reached Mumbai on Sunday and made it to Azad Maidan overnight.

The numbers heavily increased along the way from 30,000 agitatators to about 50,000, according to the organisers.

Here are the top 10 developments around the Maharashtra farmers' protest at Azad Maidan: 1. Maha CM Fadnavis to meet farmers at 2 pm: Maharshtra CM Devendra Fadnavis is going to meet the protesters around 2 pm, according to media reports. The meeting that was easlier said to take place at noon is now deferred due to Assembly being in session.

The government had earlier reached out to farmers, promising to meet their demands, but the protestors still press on voicing their demands in the Vidhan Bhavan, State Legislative Assmebly.

2. Rahul Gandhi extends support, says the issue is faced by farmers all over India: Rahul Gandhi stepped forward in support of the farmers agitating in Mumbai. Speaking to

ANI, Congress President said,"This is not an issue of Maharashtra farmers alone but of farmers all over India."

3. Security beefed up around Azad Maidan: Security has been tightened around Azad Maidan in Maharashtra State Assembly before farmers set to protest there, according to media reports. As earlier mentioned by Mumbai Police, the traffic is normalised but Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Amitesh Kumar added that police force has been increased around the vicinity as well as all over the city to avoid traffic chaos for students appearing for SSC examination.

4. AAP steps up in support of protesters: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) extended support to the ongoing protest. The party voiced its concern of the farmers as well as urged Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis to meet all the demands of the agitators.

5. Food distributed among farmers halted at Azad Maidan; several suffering from dehydration: According to media reports, food is being distributed among farmers camped at Azad Maidan before they embark on to their march towards State Assembly later in the day.

Several farmers in the process are reportedly dehydrated after marching for more than 30 km on Sunday in Mumbai. There is also medical dispensary set up at Azad Maidan.

Doctors who spoke to CNN-News18, said farmers were suffering from blood pressure and diarrhea.

6. Shiv Sena plans to disrupt the State Assembly functioning: According to media reports, the Shiv Sena said they are not going to let the state Assembly function on Monday until the farmers' demands are met.

7.No roads closure or diversion yet: Speakinng to ANI, Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Amitesh Kumar, said that no road closure or diversions has been implemented due to the ongoing farmer's protest.

Contrary to the worries of the people of a possible traffic chaos, the Mumbai Police also tweeted that the traffic movements will remain normal just "like any other day" during the long march.

Today, Traffic mvmt will be normal like any other day. Tr R no diversions proposed on any road in limits of Mumbai 4 the proposed ‘Long March’. We will be posting updates as and when required. Don’t believe in rumours. Contact @MumbaiPolice & Dial 100 for any such verification.

8. Maha CM Fadnavis hopes to fulfill most of the demands: According to media reports, Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis' representative, Giriraj Mahajanr said nearly 80 to 90 percent of the farmers' demand will be fulfilled.

Speaking to PTI a few days back, Fadnavis had mantioned, "We will talk to them and sort out their issues. The Government is positive on their demands. Most of the agitators are tribals, and their main demand is forest land rights."

9. Fadnavis forms six-member committee to look into demands: Maharasthra CM Devendra Fadnavis has formed a six-member committee to look into the demands of the agitated farmers as they plan to march to the Vidhan Sabha later today.

The decision was taken during a meeting held at Fadnavis' residence, informed a Chief Ministers Officers source.

The committee will comprise of Maharashtra Minister Chandrakant Patil, Agriculture Minister Pandurang Fundkar, Irrigation Minister Girish Mahajan, Tribal Development Minister Vishnu Savara, state cooperatives minister Subhash Deshmukh and Shiv Sena leader and PWD Minister Eknath Shinde.

10. Raj Thackeray comes out in support: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray came out in support of the farmers who have reached Maharasthra capital on Sunday night. addressing thousands of agitated farmers who halted at Somaiya Ground in Sion before moving on, Thackeray said, "This government is incapable of doing anything. I have come to greet you. You have come all the way in this heat. Give me the reins of power and I will show what can be done. Don't forget your bleeding feet. These people (the BJP-led Maharashtra government) have shown you dreams, but have not kept their word," according to PTI reports.

ARTICLE SOURCE- BUSINESS STANDARD.