Nagpur: A day after it stood as a fortress of agitation and police vigilance, the protest site on Nagpur–Wardha Road now wears a deserted look — scattered mud, torn banners, and footprints of thousands of farmers serve as the only remnants of the massive ‘Maha Elgar Andolan.’ The protest, led by former minister Bacchu Kadu, has now entered a legal phase, with multiple FIRs registered against thousands of participants for obstructing traffic and blocking the highway.
For two consecutive days, Kadu and his supporters had staged demonstrations on the city’s key Wardha Road, demanding complete loan waivers and debt relief for distressed farmers across Vidarbha. The agitation drew the attention of both the state government and the Bombay High Court. Following ministerial assurances and a directive from the court, Kadu agreed to briefly reopen the route on Wednesday night and subsequently announced the suspension of his planned ‘Rail Roko Andolan.’
Protest Site Submerged After Heavy Rain
By late Wednesday night, heavy rains lashed Nagpur, leaving the main protest site near Jamtha waterlogged and muddy. As the ground became unfit for camping, demonstrators shifted to the Khapri (Railway) community hall, where they continue to stay under close police watch. Meanwhile, Bacchu Kadu has travelled to Mumbai for discussions with senior government officials regarding farmers’ demands, including pending compensation and loan relief. His aides indicated that the next course of action would depend on the outcome of these talks. Protesters remaining in Nagpur are now awaiting Kadu’s directions, which are expected soon.
Dwindling Numbers But Continued Support
Although the strength of protestors has decreased, groups of farmers, agricultural labourers, and differently-abled individuals continue to hold ground at the Khapri venue. Support has poured in from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), farmers’ unions, and local voluntary organisations that are distributing food, water, and essential supplies to the remaining demonstrators. Many participants from nearby rural areas have returned home temporarily but have vowed to return if the talks in Mumbai fail to yield results.
Heavy Police Vigil Along Wardha Road
Despite the calm, police presence remains heavy along the Wardha Road corridor and around Jamtha. Barricades continue to line key intersections as authorities remain on alert for any renewed stir. A senior Nagpur Police officer told Lokmat Times on condition of anonymity that while the administration respects the farmers’ right to protest, any attempt to block public movement again would invite strict legal action.
The officer further confirmed that FIRs have already been filed against Kadu, Raju Shetti, and other leaders for unlawful assembly and highway obstruction. Investigations are underway to identify additional participants involved in the blockade.
With Kadu now in Mumbai for high-level deliberations, the city awaits clarity on whether the ‘Maha Elgar Andolan’ will resume — or if the government’s assurances will bring a temporary end to the farmers’ unrest.
