More than 4,000 to 5,000 farmers from Nashik district have begun a march, for the third time. While the earlier two rallies were to get the government to fulfill their demands to help them tackle the water crisis, this time, the three-day tour spread across 20 villages in Dindori constituency is to back their leader, JP Gavit, the sitting MLA from Kalvan constituency, who is contesting the Lok Sabha polls.
According to the CPI(M), Dindori Lok Sabha constituency covers nine talukas and 4,500 villages, and is dominated by farmers, and tribals. Gavit has been at the forefront of farmers’ protests and long marches organised over the past two years, one of which led the farmers to Mumbai’s Azad Maidan in March 2018.
Over the next three days, these men and women, who have left their homes armed with food, water, and clothing on Friday to suffice till April 21, will live on the road, covering an average of six villages.
Sporting red flags and hats, the farmers started their march from Dindori village at 2pm. They covered nine villages on foot, going door-to-door distributing pamphlets and asking people to vote for Gavit.
Vijabai Gangude, 45, who came from Mohadi village in Dindori to participate in the march, said, “We need representation and our voice needs to reach the Centre. What better way than to elect this man who has always stood by us.”
{{/usCountry}}Vijabai Gangude, 45, who came from Mohadi village in Dindori to participate in the march, said, “We need representation and our voice needs to reach the Centre. What better way than to elect this man who has always stood by us.”
{{/usCountry}}Motiram Jadhav, 55, who came from Bhegusarpada village, is prepared to stay away from home for three days. He said, “He is there to solve all our problems. This is our way of expressing gratitude by getting his elected.”
Rajendra Taskar, a grocery shop owner from Dindori village, said, “I am not a farmer, but I support Gavit. He ensures a poor farmer gets his due. I am going to vote for him.” Chagubai Jagtap, 65, another by-stander said, “I am going to vote for him because I don’t like the BJP. Gavit is a refreshing new voice.”
The farmers camped at Nagarsul village on Friday night, almost 80km from Dindori rally. On their schedule for Saturday are six villages of Nagarsul, Rajapur, Nandgaon, Kalandari, Ningaon, and Manmad.
On Sunday, they will cover five other villages of Dugaon, Chandwad, Umranu, Deola, and Kalwan.