Massive Long March Towards Mumbai
Thousands of farmers, labourers, and fisherfolk are marching from Nashik to Mumbai to press the state government for several long-pending demands. The march, which began on January 25, is expected to reach Mumbai by February 2.
Organisers say more than 55,000 people are participating, with additional groups joining from districts along the route. Many participants, especially women, are walking barefoot, carrying red flags, and raising slogans highlighting their demands.
Key Demands of the Protesters
The march is being led by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS). Protesters are demanding:
- Implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) for land rights
- Completion of irrigation projects
- Filling of vacant posts in Zilla Parishad schools
- Scrapping of the smart electricity meter scheme
- Reversal of MGNREGA dilution and the four new labour codes
- Opposition to amendments to the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA)
Ajit Nawale, Maharashtra state secretary of AIKS, explained that protesters are also self-sufficient during the march, carrying food grains, vegetables, utensils, and firewood in common vehicles from their villages.
Current Progress of the March
The march paused at Ghatandevi near Kasara Ghat on Monday evening and is scheduled to resume toward Thane on Tuesday.
The first overnight halt was at Rahul Bahula in Nashik district on Sunday. On Monday, after unfurling the national flag, protesters began marching along the Nashik–Mumbai National Highway, covering around 40 km before halting at Ghatandevi.
The march is symbolic of unity and determination, with thousands participating despite harsh walking conditions.
Proposed Meeting with Chief Minister
The Maharashtra Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, is expected to meet a delegation from the march on Tuesday to discuss their demands at the state level.
Nawale stated:
“The state government has begun reaching out to us to persuade us to call off the agitation. We have clearly stated that there will be no decision until we meet the chief minister.”
He added that the delegation would discuss all state-level demands during the proposed meeting.
Context and Previous Agitations
The organisers referred to a recent three-day march in Palghar district, where the district collector issued written assurances on 10 of 12 demands, which successfully ended the local agitation.
The current state-level march aims to escalate pressure for government intervention on broader issues affecting farmers, labourers, and tribal communities across Maharashtra.
Logistics and Support
The protest is well-organized, with participants carrying supplies to sustain themselves throughout the march. Many women participants are walking barefoot, symbolising both resilience and solidarity.
The march route is planned carefully to ensure rest stops, food supplies, and water for thousands of participants, demonstrating the scale and seriousness of the protest.
What’s Next
The march is expected to culminate in Mumbai by February 2, after which the delegation will meet Chief Minister Fadnavis to seek resolutions to their demands.
Observers note that the march reflects growing grassroots mobilisation in Maharashtra, highlighting issues related to land rights, labour reforms, irrigation, and social welfare.
