Mumbai, MMR not likely to be hit by Bharat bandh

Farmers at Punjab-Haryana border during their protest march on February 15. Pic/AP

As farmers protesting at the border of New Delhi called for a nationwide bandh on February 16, Mumbai and adjoining areas of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) might remain unaffected as political parties in Maharashtra have not yet made it clear whether they would support the bandh or not.

Multiple agricultural unions - notably the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) - have announced a nationwide strike today called the ‘Gramin Bharat Bandh', which aims to emphasise their demands before the central government. The SKM has appealed to like-minded farmers' organisations to join forces and participate in the Gramin Bharat Bandh, aligned with the call by central trade unions.

Meanwhile, there is no clarity on whether the bandh will be supported in Maharashtra. Also, with Mumbai and the adjoining areas being urban pockets, not many farmer organisations are active. However, the bandh may be observed in certain rural pockets if it gets support from farmer organisations in the interiors of the state.

Leader of the Maharashtra Kisan Sabha, Rajan Kshirsagar said, "A total of 42 organisations have decided to take part in the bandh at several places in Maharashtra. Some political parties associated with farmer organisations from the INDIA alliance are also taking part in the bandh. Farmers' organisations from Thane and Palghar districts will also participate."

Shiv Sena leader and MLC, Sachin Ahir said, "We are morally supporting the Bharat bandh taking place on February 16 but the official communication regarding support is yet to come in." Police said there is no advisory yet for the city, regarding the bandh call.

Feb 16
Day protesting farmers called for Bharat bandh