Update on the farmers' protest.

Girish Mahajan (pictured), Maharashtra Minister for Water Resources: There will be a meeting with farmers at 1 pm. I think we'll give solutions for 80-90% of their issues. We're serious about the demands including loan waiver and will come up with best decisions. Written assurance will be given for accepted demands.


Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today said his government was "sensitive and positive" towards the demands of farmers and tribals, who have marched from Nashik to Mumbai to draw the administration's attention towards their problems.


Fadnavis was responding to a discussion in the Assembly, initiated by Leader of Opposition Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, who lauded the farmers participating in the 'Kisan Long March' for their peaceful protest while demanding a complete loan waiver and compensation for hailstorm and pink bollworm pest attack on crops.


The Azad Maidan in South Mumbai turned into a sea of red this morning as thousands of farmers, carrying red flags, converged here after walking around 180 kms from the neighbouring Nashik district over the last six days.


The CPI(M)-affiliated All India Kisan Sabha is spearheading the protest.