Mumbai, February 20: The kisan long march, which will cover a 180-km stretch from Nashik to Mumbai, has been initiated today. Farmers from 23 districts across Maharashtra arrived in Nashik on Wednesday, to begin the foot journey towards the state capital. A total of 50,000 farmers are expected to be part of the march, which is planned to culminate outside the Maharashtra assembly on February 27.

The All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS), which is organising the massive agrarian protest, has accused the Devendra Fadnavis government of not fulfilling the promises made to farmers in March last year, when they had marched from Nashik to Mumbai. Maharashtra Government Declares Drought in 151 Tehsils, Check Full List.

The list of demands raised by the AIKS is similar to what they had sought from the government last year -- farm loan waiver, minimum support price, irrigation facilities and provision of pension to farmers. In addition, the Kisan Sabha has also asked the Chief Minister to sanction Rs 40,000 per acre as immediate aid to drought affected farmers.

The kisan march had forced the state government to give in-principle acceptance to several of their demands.

"A year has passed but the state government has not fulfilled promises. Hence, the long march would be taken out against the betrayal of farmers by BJP-led state and central governments," the AIKS said.

Kisan Sabha chief Ashok Dhawale, while speaking to reporters, said they are also opposed to the multi-billion dollar Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project which has seen several farmers along the proposed route approach court against land acquisition.

Notably, the AIKS has not been granted permission by the administration to take out the 180-km march. Several agrarian leaders and activists, including those of the Satyashodhak Shetkari Sabha, were reportedly detained ahead of the march.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 20, 2019 12:23 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).