Protests Erupt During Deputy CM's Speech in Pune Over Hunger Strike Demands

Protests Disrupt Deputy CM's Event

In Amravati district, supporters of former legislator Bachchu Kadu staged a protest during a program in Pune on Saturday, causing a commotion as Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar began his address.

The incident unfolded while Pawar was present in the Swargate area to inaugurate an ideal school and distribute awards to teachers.

After approximately ten minutes of disruption, the protesters were removed from the venue.

Kadu's supporters claimed that despite his hunger strike, the state government was ignoring their demands.

For the past seven days, Kadu has been on a hunger strike in Gurukunj Mojari, Teosa taluka, advocating for complete loan waivers for farmers and monthly assistance of ₹6,000 for the disabled.

As Pawar stood to address the audience, some of Kadu's supporters interrupted him with chants.

When police and officials attempted to intervene, Pawar requested that they allow the protesters to express their concerns.

The Deputy Chief Minister tried to calm the situation, mentioning that on Friday, State Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule had spoken with Kadu and that a committee would be formed to address his demands.

However, Kadu's supporters were unwilling to listen, prompting Pawar to instruct the police to escort them out of the auditorium.

Following the directive, the police removed the supporters, and the event continued.

One female supporter later accused the government of being indifferent to Kadu's demands, emphasizing that he had been protesting for various farmers' issues for the past week.

On Friday, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis assured Kadu that a committee would be established to address the agricultural loan waiver request, and discussions regarding the increase in assistance for the disabled would take place during the Maharashtra Assembly session starting June 30.