Fifty Thousand Join CPI(M) March In Palghar, Indefinite Agitation Begins

Palghar: The Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Monday launched a large foot march in Palghar district, with around 50,000 people from all tehsils coming together to demand action on long-pending issues faced by Adivasis, farmers, workers and the rural poor.

The march began from Charoti in Dahanu tehsil and will halt for the night at Manor. On Tuesday, the protesters will march to the Palghar District Collectorate, where they will begin an indefinite dharna. The agitation will continue until the Maharashtra government accepts their demands in writing and gives a clear, time-bound assurance.

The march has seen strong participation from people across the district, with mass organisations such as the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS), Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA), Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), Students’ Federation of India (SFI) and the Adivasi Adhikar Rashtriya Manch (AARM) taking part in large numbers.

Senior CPI(M) leaders are leading the march, including Polit Bureau member and AIKS National President Dr Ashok Dhawale, Polit Bureau member and AIDWA National General Secretary Mariam Dhawale, CPI(M) Central Committee member and state secretary Dr Ajit Nawale, CITU state secretary Vinod Nikole, and AARM state convenor and former Dahanu MLA Kiran Gahala. CPI(M) Polit Bureau member and AIKS National General Secretary Vijoo Krishnan is expected to join the protest on Tuesday.

The protesters are demanding proper implementation of the Forest Rights Act, vesting of temple, inaam and government land in the name of tillers, restoration of MNREGA work, withdrawal of the smart electricity meter scheme, implementation of PESA in Scheduled Areas, repeal of the labour codes, and cancellation of the Wadhwan and Murbe port projects. They are also calling for assured drinking and irrigation water, along with better facilities in education, employment, ration distribution and public healthcare.

CPI(M) leaders said the massive participation reflects deep anger among the people over years of neglect by successive governments. They made it clear that the struggle in Palghar will continue until the genuine demands of Adivasis and working people are met and justice is delivered to the district.