Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Jan 28: The long march for land rights, which began from Nashik and was scheduled to reach Mumbai on February 3, is likely to be withdrawn on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, after Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis assured the protestors’ delegation that their key demands would be addressed.
A delegation of CPI(M) leaders and representatives of the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) held detailed discussions with five ministers and senior officials at the state secretariat on Tuesday afternoon, January 27. The delegation later met Chief Minister Fadnavis at his official residence ‘Varsha’, following which the talks were described as “successful”.
The protestors had launched the march on January 25, demanding implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), utilisation of water flowing into the sea for local communities and drought-prone regions, initiation of recruitment under PESA to provide employment, and measures related to education and agriculture.
Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Girish Mahajan and the Nashik district collector are expected to address the protestors on Wednesday and provide details of the steps the government will take to fulfil their demands.
All India Kisan Sabha president and CPI(M) Polit Bureau member Ashok Dhawale said the government has assured a district-wise review of all land claims under the Forest Rights Act within the next three months. He said tribal farmers would also be ensured benefits of government crop schemes for cultivation on forest land.
Dhawale further stated that the government has initiated the process of drafting legislation to transfer temple land to traditional tillers, and that a draft of the proposed law was handed over to the delegation. He added that the government responded positively to several other demands as well, and that a final decision on withdrawing the march would be taken after consulting the protestors.
The marchers are currently halting at Bhatsa junction in Thane district until Wednesday.
Chief Minister Fadnavis said the government was working towards a “respectable solution” to the issues raised. “Wherever there are tribals and farmers, the government will always be positive,” he said.
During the meeting at the secretariat, a 15-member AIKS delegation held discussions with Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan, Tribal Development Minister Ashok Uike, School Education Minister Dada Bhuse and Forest Minister Ganesh Naik, along with the chief secretary and senior officials from multiple departments.
Dhawale said the chief minister gave a “personal guarantee” on implementation of accepted demands and assured continuous ministerial-level follow-up to avoid shortcomings.
It was agreed to re-examine forest rights claims under FRA, particularly in cases where there is a mismatch between land allotted and land under actual possession, allegedly due to incorrect opinions from the forest department, causing injustice to thousands of farmers. Committees chaired by Sub-Divisional Officers (SDOs) will be formed in each district to complete the review within three months.
The government has also constituted an implementation committee, which includes ministers, and agreed to conduct E-Crop surveys to ensure farmers receive benefits under government schemes. In addition, the government assured construction of check-dams at various locations in Nashik to retain water for tribals and farmers.
On PESA recruitment, Dhawale said it was agreed that vacant posts in tribal areas would be filled immediately as per court directions, within the prescribed 50% limit.