Ambadas Danve Leads Tractor March in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Slams Government Over Farmers' Issues
In a show of strength and solidarity with farmers, the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) faction on Tuesday organized a massive tractor march in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The protest aimed to draw attention to the worsening condition of farmers across Maharashtra and the government's alleged failure to address key agrarian issues.
The rally, marked by high energy and strong slogans, highlighted the growing discontent over unfulfilled promises such as loan waivers, compensation for crop loss due to unseasonal rains, and other long-standing demands. A major highlight of the march was the participation of Ambadas Danve, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, who personally drove a tractor during the protest.
Danve's Sharp Criticism of Government
Speaking during the march, Danve lambasted the state government for its neglect of farmers. He reminded the public of the commitments made by the ruling parties during the elections:
“Loan waivers, ₹15,000 ex-gratia grants, ₹2,100 monthly aid for sisters, regulated fertilizer prices, and minimum support prices — all were part of the election manifesto. But after coming to power, these promises have conveniently been forgotten.”
He further questioned the government’s priorities, saying:
“If ₹46,000 crore can be allocated for one individual labeled as a 'beloved sister,' then why can’t ₹30,000 to ₹32,000 crore be provided for waiving farmers’ loans?”
Danve also criticized the budget cuts to the Social Justice Department, stating that similar injustices were being carried out across other key departments as well.
Symbolic Protest and Visuals
The tractor march began with an image of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and featured protestors holding placards reading, "What happened to the three disputes?" and "What happened to the thirteen disputes?"—a pointed reference to the promises made by the current leadership that remain unfulfilled.
Adding a symbolic dimension to the protest, caricatures of three key government leaders were displayed by the demonstrators to underscore the betrayal felt by the farming community.
Danve emphasized,
“These leaders once stood with the farmers in speeches and campaigns, but today they have turned their backs. This protest is a reminder of those promises, and let it be clear — the fight for farmers' rights is far from over.”
Future Action
The Thackeray group has made it clear that this is just the beginning. Danve concluded the rally by announcing that the agitation will intensify in the coming days until justice is delivered to the farmers.