Maharashtra Farmers Launch Massive Tractor March to Nagpur Demanding Complete Loan Waiver and Fair Prices

Prahar Janshakti Party chief and former MLA Bachchu Kadu initiated a significant tractor march from Amravati district to Nagpur on Monday, demanding comprehensive relief for Maharashtra's agricultural community.

The protest, named "Maha Elgar Morcha," has attracted thousands of farmers who arrived prepared with fifteen days' worth of food supplies and a firm resolve not to back down until their demands are addressed.

Their key demands include a complete loan waiver for farmers, guaranteed minimum support price, and soybean procurement through NAFED (National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India).

Kadu emphasized that the protest will persist in Nagpur until the government makes a definitive decision regarding the loan waiver. One protester expressed their determination, stating, "We are ready to die once rather than die every day. Farmers are prepared for this all-out battle."

The farmers have made it clear they will not withdraw unless the government provides written assurances addressing their concerns. Kadu, a former minister, warned that "If our demands are ignored, a Maharashtra bandh cannot be ruled out tomorrow."

A meeting scheduled by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis with farmer leaders at Sahyadri Guest House earlier today was cancelled when none of the invited leaders, including Kadu and Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana leader Raju Shetti, attended.

Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule expressed disappointment at their absence, noting that government officials, including the Chief Minister, both Deputy Chief Ministers, the Chief Secretary, and cabinet members had waited for over an hour. "They could at least have sent representatives," he remarked.

Kadu questioned the government's sincerity, pointing out that no dialogue had been attempted during months of protests. "Why call a meeting only today? You wanted to bring us there and arrest us. What would happen to the protest then? If a law and order issue arises here in our absence, who will take responsibility," he asked.

He further stated that previous communications with the government had yielded no results, suggesting the meeting was a tactical move: "They want to show us as wrong and themselves as correct. These tactics will backfire."

Kadu expressed willingness for talks but insisted they take place at the protest site. He indicated that protesters would wait until 5 pm before proceeding to Ramgiri for their meal.

Dismissing allegations that protest leaders were avoiding dialogue, Kadu explained, "I cannot leave the protest and go for a meeting. If I go, chaos will erupt here and the blame will be put on me. If the Chief Minister truly cares for farmers, he should send representatives for a discussion."

He firmly stated his intention to remain in Nagpur until the government fulfills their demands, adding, "Those who give the slogans of 'batenge toh katenge' should know that the majority of these farmers are Hindus."