Public anger is once again reverberating across Maharashtra's political landscape as Prahar Janshakti Party leader and former Minister of State Bacchu Kadu has launched a hunger strike demanding justice for various marginalized groups. His protest—being held at the revered site of Gurukunj Mozari, the spiritual home of Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj—is rapidly gaining momentum and drawing widespread support from Amravati to Mumbai.
The protest, aimed at advocating for the rights of workers, farmers, widows, disabled citizens, shepherds, and the marginalized Kodi community of Konkan, has triggered a wave of demonstrations across the state. A visibly emotional appeal from Kadu’s wife and escalating support from party workers have heightened tensions, drawing the attention of the state administration.
“My husband is fighting for the voiceless—don’t let the fighting worker die,” pleaded Kadu’s wife in a heartfelt message that has deeply resonated with supporters and the public alike. Kadu emphasized, “This fight is not just my party’s—it belongs to the soil, the farmers, the widows, the disabled, the shepherds, and the underrepresented communities.”
In Amravati district, the protest took a dramatic turn as Prahar workers, led by Taluka President Mangesh Deshmukh, staged a symbolic Jalsamadhi (water immersion) demonstration at the Purna Madhyam project near Chandur Bazaar. Tension gripped the area as several workers entered the water in solidarity. Local police, under the supervision of Thanedar Ulhas Rathod, managed to maintain control, but Prahar leaders warned that the protests will escalate if immediate action is not taken.
Meanwhile, in Mumbai, Prahar activists carried out a vocal demonstration outside the main entrance of Mantralaya, the state government headquarters. Chanting slogans such as "Increase disabled pension to ₹6,000" and "Ensure guaranteed prices for farmers", the protesters demanded urgent government intervention. Though the original plan was to protest inside the Mantralaya premises, police prevented entry, leading to a strong gathering at the main gate. Several activists were detained amid heightened security in the area.
The Prahar Janshakti Party has outlined several core demands:
Full implementation of the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations.
Increase in pension for disabled citizens to ₹6,000 per month.
Guaranteed minimum support prices (MSP) for farmers.
Immediate and inclusive policy measures for workers, widows, shepherds, the disabled, and disadvantaged communities.
The party has issued a stern warning to the state government:
“If immediate steps are not taken, the protest will intensify, and the government alone will be responsible for the consequences,” said a party spokesperson.
As the hunger strike enters a critical phase and protests ripple across districts, all eyes are now on the Maharashtra government’s next move. Will it heed the demands of the Prahar movement, or risk a larger political showdown in the days to come?
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