Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde and his deputy Devendra Fadnavis will hold talks with the farmers’ delegation around 3 pm on Thursday after thousands of farmers started a protest, led by the All India Kisan Sabha, from Nashik to Mumbai on March 13.
Earlier in the day, the Maharashtra government and farmer leaders called the talks between them “positive”, but the farmers said they will continue their protest until their demands are accepted.
Farmers are likely to hit the roads of Mumbai by March 19-20. They said they will agitate outside Vidhan Bhavan where the current state budget session is being held. The farmer protesters are currently in Thane district.
Maharashtra minister Dadaji Bhuse and Atul Save held talks with the farmers’ leaders earlier. They said many of the demands of the farmers have already been met, with the onion growers already promised Rs 300 per quintal subsidy.
The protesters are seeking the implementation of Forest Rights Act, and have demanded remunerative prices for crops such as onions, cotton, soybean, tur and green gram; complete farm-loan waivers; a write-off of all power bills for agricultural consumers; 12-hour electricity supply; and increase in old-age pension.
The All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) also wants the old pension scheme (OPS) restored for the estimated 17 lakh state government employees.
The organisation has led two such protests in the past. Questions are also being raised about the timing of the protest.
The farmers’ protest can cause an embarrassment to the Maharashtra government during its current budget session, which is being held in Mumbai.
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