In a sudden shift of plans, the Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana has advanced the date for its protest, originally scheduled for November 26, to November 23. The farmers, backed by thousands of supporters, are set to march on the Pune-Bengaluru National Highway-48, staging a chakka jam at the Shiroli bridge—a crucial link connecting Kolhapur and Sangli districts with other vital roads.
Challenging Unacceptable Reports and Political Pressures
Raju Shetti, the president of the farmers’ organization, expressed dissatisfaction with the committee’s report led by the Kolhapur district collector. According to Shetti, the report was deemed unacceptable, as it allegedly succumbed to pressure from Hasan Mushrif, the guardian minister, to absolve sugar mills of any payment responsibilities. Shetti contends that the farmers are resisting attempts by Mushrif and Congress MLCs to undermine their determination.
Demand for Fair Compensation
Shetti is advocating for Rs 400 per tonne for the sugarcane crushed in the previous season. The report submitted to Mushrif asserted that farmers had already received a fair price for their produce, and the mills were not obliged to make additional payments. The disagreement between the farmers and the authorities sets the stage for a prolonged protest.
Anticipated Traffic Disruptions on Pune-Bengaluru NH-48
The preponed protest is expected to cause significant disruptions to traffic along the Pune-Bengaluru NH-48. Shetti has declared that the national highway closure will not have a specified end date. Concerns about potential clashes with law enforcement arise, as police may resort to force to clear the highway for commuters. Simultaneously, reports suggest that the police administration might inform Mushrif of the anticipated situation, seeking preventative measures to avert the protest.
