Shiv Sena launches Halla Bol Rally for farmers

Pune, Jan 16 (UNI) Aiming at strengthening its vote bank in western Maharashtra, the Shiv Sena today started the 'Halla Bol Rally' from Shivneri Fort in Junnar taluka to protest against the indifferent attitude of the state Government towards farmers.

Talking to UNI over phone, Shiv Sena MLC Nilam Gorhe said the Rally, which started in the presence of leader of the opposition Ramdas Kadam, will conclude on February 3 here in the presence of party president Uddhav Thackeray.

Shiv Sena MP Shivajirao Adhavrao Patil said, ''This is the first agitation for the farmers being held in western Maharashtra. Like their counterparts in Vidarbha and Marathwada, farmers in western Maharashtra are also suffering under the burden of loans and suicides are increasing.'' ''The present Government is showing very little interest in the farmers's issue,'' Mr Patil said.

''Farmer's loans are not waived, they are not getting enough electricity and their produce is not getting a good price,'' Mr Patil said adding that during the 17 days of the Rally, a farmers meeting would be held in the talukas of the three districts and at every village of Pune district.

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