The delegation leading the joint CPI(M)-AIKS march of tens of thousands of tribal farmers towards Mumbai will meet Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and other ministers on Tuesday afternoon.
The march started from nashik on sunday on various demands, including redressal of pending claims under the Forest Rights Act and issuance of land titles in the names of those actually cultivating forest land. In the last two days, the march has covered almost 60 kilometers.
Politburo member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and national president of the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) Dr Ashok Dhawale He said it has been eight years since the iconic Long Kisan March, when thousands of farmers marched to Bombay and several promises were made to them. “A large part of these assurances remain unfulfilled. For the last eight years, there has been no real implementation on the ground. The Prime Minister himself has been in power, but the basic commitments made to farmers and tribal communities have not been fulfilled,” he said.
“We had also demanded that water from west-flowing rivers be diverted to drought-prone regions like Nashik. A promise in this regard was made in 2018 when we were asked to withdraw the march, but it has also not been implemented,” Dhawale added.
‘Corporate interests expand’
AIKS leader Ajit Nawale said several new policies have been introduced in recent years which will severely affect the lives of common citizens. “Privatization of electricity, introduction of smart meters and aggressive land acquisition are being pushed in the name of development. These measures are meant to serve the corporate lobby. Corporate interests are expanding at the expense of ordinary people and their lands and livelihoods,” he said.
Organizations participating in the march include All India Democratic Women’s Association, Democratic Youth Federation of India, Students’ Federation of India and Adivasi Adhikar Rashtriya Manch.