Mumbai: Protesting farmers plan to gherao Vidhan Sabha today
Mumbai, Mar 11 (IBNS): After marching for several days, the protest rally, consisting of nearly 50,000 farmers, entered Mumbai and reached the Azad Maidan in the city on Sunday.
The protesting farmers, members of the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS), affiliated to the Communist Party of India-Marxist, plan to 'gherao' the Maharashtra Vidhan Sabha or the state legislature on Monday to push for their demands.
They have been demanding for complete waiver of loans and electricity bills by the state government.
"We do not want to put SSC students in any trouble. But we will reach Azad Maidan. Therefore, we have decided to start walking past midnight," AIKS President Com. Ashok Dhawale, said,
Meanwhile, speaking on the traffic movement in the city, Mumbai Police said it will remain 'normal'.
"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," read a tweet posted by the police.
Local reports said that the farmers, most of them wearing red caps and holding up flags with the sickle and hammer symbol, have covered 30km on foot every day to reach Mumbai.
CPI-M leader Sitaram Yechury said the farmers should get their 'rightful due' from the BJP-led state government.
"Farmers marching into Mumbai. To ensure that the BJP govt does not deceive them again. They should get their rightful due. #KisanLongMarch," Yechury tweeted.
Several political parties like Congress, Nationalist Congress Party, the Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena and Shiv Sena have extended their supports to the demands made by the farmers.
Image: AIKS Twitter page
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