An unprecedented ‘siege’ of the Legislative Assembly in Mumbai city by thousands of farmers from various parts of Maharashtra was called off yesterday after the Devendra Fadnavis-led Government decided to waive off all loans taken by the farmers.

The rally, organized by the leftist All India Kisan Sabha and comprising more than 15,000 farmers from across the State, had commenced from Nasik six days back (on 06th March) and reached Mumbai yesterday.  All along its journey, the rally was welcomed by enthusiastic supporters as it travelled 180 kilometers at a slow pace to reach the Thane-Mumbai border yesterday morning.

The 15,000-strong farmers’ rally enjoyed the support of parties such as the Shiv Sena, the Maharashtra Nava Nirman and the Aam Aadmi Party. The farmers, who had earlier planned to lay siege to the Legislative Assembly premises on Monday, postponed the ‘program’ in view of the on-going Board exams for Class X and XII students.

When the rallyists reached the Byculla junction, they were greeted by Islamic brethren who had been waiting for them from 04:00 a.m. to provide them snacks, water, food, biscuits, fruits, etc. The fact that Muslims had come out in strength to support the farmers’ cause moved the farmers. Later, the farmers called off their idea to lay siege to the Assembly after the Govt. announced that it would waive off all kinds of loans taken by them.