Ambadas Danve Lead Chakka Jam Protest in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
A massive protest led by Leader of the Opposition Ambadas Danve rocked the city today, as farmers and activists blocked major roads demanding immediate relief from the government. The agitation, described as a "Chakkajam" (road blockade), was organized to push for loan waivers, compensation for crop loss, subsidies for electricity pumps, and guaranteed prices (MSP) for agricultural produce.
The protest, organized under the banner of Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction), saw significant participation from local farmers and activists. Protesters raised powerful slogans against the government while occupying a key intersection in the city, bringing traffic to a standstill for several hours.
Speaking at the protest, Ambadas Danve strongly criticized the government, stating, “This is a government of announcements, not action. It is their moral responsibility to fulfill promises made to farmers. The continued neglect is nothing short of betrayal.”
The farmers' grievances included:
Immediate loan waiver for distressed farmers
Compensation for around 60 hectares of crop damage caused by recent natural disasters
Expedited subsidy disbursal for electricity pump connections
Implementation of pending government schemes
Guaranteed Minimum Support Price (MSP) for produce
Danve also highlighted the plight of farmers who, despite paying for electricity pump connections eight months ago, are yet to receive electricity supply. “How are farmers expected to survive in such a situation?” he questioned.
The protest prompted the presence of local police inspectors and senior officials at the site, who attempted to mediate and disperse the crowd. However, the protestors remained firm in their stance, declaring that “there will be no retreat until our demands are met.”
This protest marks yet another major agitation in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, reflecting the growing unrest among farmers and the demand for concrete action over empty assurances. Danve urged the government to take immediate and sincere steps to address the deepening agrarian crisis in the state.