Indian protesting farmers march to Mumbai, Sharad Pawar to join
The Nashik farmers' march comes two days before a headline-grabbing tractor rally in Delhi on Republic Day
Thousands of farmers from 21 districts of Maharashtra - among tens of thousands across India who are protesting against the centre's new agriculture laws - gathered at Nashik on Saturday and are marching to cover the 180 kilometres to state capital Mumbai, where they will hold a massive rally Monday at the city's iconic Azad Maidan.
India's Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar, whose party is a member of the ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi government, is expected to attend that rally, reports the NDTV.
Dramatic visuals showed a sea of farmers - many of whom were waving flags and carrying banners - snaking their way through the roads of the Kasara Ghat region between the two cities.
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The farmers - who are drawn from several smaller unions and have gathered themselves under the banner of the All India Kisan Sabha - are expected to reach Mumbai in a few hours.
Less than two weeks ago Pawar referred to the protesting farmers - particularly those who have braved winter chills to remain camped out around Delhi since November - and warned the centre of "consequences" if it failed to understand their sentiments.
Last month he issued a similar warning and said the centre should not test the farmers' patience.
The Nashik farmers' march comes two days before a headline-grabbing tractor rally in Delhi on Republic Day.
Over a thousand tractors are expected to take part in the rally that will be held along the Ring Road (which encircles the city), and permission for which has been sought from Delhi Police.
