WHAT THE KISAN LONG MARCH WAS ABOUT

On March 12, farmers marched nearly 200 kms from Nashik to Mumbai, demanding the state government for

not getting remunerative prices,” said Shinde.

Shinde said farmers rallying with LSM would most likely carry out an indefinite strike and would stop only when all their demands are met.

The Bharat Bachao Andolan (BBA), a front that works for communal harmony, will also participate in this agitation to show its solidarity with the state’s farmers.

“We want to highlight the plight of the farmers and tribals Transferring ownership of the land they have been cultivating for generations Implementing recommendations of the Swaminathan Commission report for minimum support price for crops

to the urban people and sensitise them on this issue,” said Feroze Mithiborwala, the national convener of BBA .

The All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS), affiliated to the left parties, which organised the previous farmers’ march that covered nearly 200 kilometres, is also anguished as a majority of the government’s assurances are yet to fructify.

On November 12, the AIKS organised a convention in Mumbai, inviting the leaders of all

the opposition parties and asked them to suggest alternatives to ease the plight of the farmers.

The opposition parties assured them that they will unite together, chalk out a common minimum programme and give justice to the farmers. Both NCP leader Sharad Pawar and Maharashtra Congress chief Ashok Chavan berated the government for being anti-farmer and not having any programme to tackle the drought situation in the state.