Tension flared in Nagpur, Maharashtra, on Wednesday as thousands of farmers took to the streets demanding higher Minimum Support Prices (MSP) and immediate loan waivers. The protesters, rallying under various farmers’ unions, have threatened to block railway tracks if their demands are not met soon.
The agitation began early in the morning near the Ajni and Itwari railway stations, where farmers from across the Vidarbha region gathered, raising slogans against the state and central governments. They accused authorities of ignoring the worsening agrarian distress, delayed compensation for crop losses, and rising input costs.
According to protest leaders, repeated appeals to local and state officials have gone unanswered, forcing them to escalate their agitation. “If the government continues to remain silent, we will stop trains in Nagpur and intensify our protest across Maharashtra,” said Vijay Gawai, one of the farmer leaders leading the demonstration.
Railway authorities have deployed additional security personnel to prevent disruptions, while the Nagpur police have issued prohibitory orders around major railway junctions. Officials from the district administration have opened dialogue with protest representatives in an attempt to defuse the situation.
This protest comes amid growing discontent among farmers across several states over unresolved issues related to crop procurement, insurance payouts, and fertilizer shortages. The Vidarbha region, known for its recurring agrarian crises, has once again become a flashpoint for rural frustration.
Political reactions have also started pouring in. Opposition leaders have criticized the government for “failing to deliver on promises made to farmers,” while ruling party representatives have appealed for calm and dialogue.
As negotiations continue, the threat of a rail blockade looms large, raising fears of disruption to passenger and freight movement through the Nagpur division — one of the busiest rail corridors in central India.
Authorities remain on alert as the protest gains momentum, signaling that Maharashtra’s farmers are prepared for a long and determined fight unless concrete action is taken.
