People's Democracy

Left Struggle Against 
Agrarian Distress

SOON after the reports of starvation deaths, peasant suicides and severe drought started filtering in, CPI(M), AIKS and AIAWU units in several districts of Maharashtra organised large demonstrations and protest rallies which mobilised thousands of peasants and agricultural workers. In the month of July, such actions were held in districts like Nandurbar, Nashik, Thane, Hingoli, Parbhani, Beed, Nanded, Yavatmal, Amravati, Buldhana and Wardha.

The state co-ordination committee of the Left Front, which comprises the CPI(M), CPI and PWP, at its meeting in Mumbai on July 16, gave a call for statewide Jail Bharo actions at district and tehsil levels on August 3. The meeting also prepared a charter of demands. On that day, the Left will mobilise in strength throughout the state on the issue of agrarian distress.