The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) staged a significant protest on May 26, 2026, at Chandwad in Nashik district, Maharashtra, to voice their concerns over the plight of onion farmers. The protest was primarily aimed at highlighting the alleged indifference of both the central and state governments towards the struggles faced by onion growers. Leaders of the MVA, which includes parties like the Congress and NCP, demanded a Minimum Support Price (MSP) of ₹3,000 per quintal, a stark contrast to the current prices of ₹200-300 per quintal that farmers are receiving.
During the protest, MVA leaders expressed their frustrations towards the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, accusing it of failing to address the dire situation of onion growers. They warned that the MVA will escalate their efforts until farmers receive fair prices for their produce. The agitation included a Shetkari Kranti Maha Morcha, where participants engaged in a road blockade, emphasizing the urgency of their demands.
- Demand for Fair Pricing — MVA calls for an MSP of ₹3,000 per quintal for onions.
- Protests Intensified — Leaders warn of escalated protests if demands are unmet.
- Government Accountability — MVA holds the BJP accountable for farmers' hardships.
Prominent political figures, including Harshvardhan Sapkal, Shashikant Shinde, and Ambadas Danve, took part in the march, reiterating the need for government intervention to alleviate the financial burdens faced by farmers. During the demonstration, law enforcement detained several leaders, but the protesters remained resolute, insisting that their struggle for fair prices would continue.
In his remarks, Congress state president Harshwardhan Sapkal highlighted the impact of inflation on farmers, stating that the current prices are insufficient for their survival. He criticized the government's failure to commence promised onion procurement through Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs), urging that such measures be implemented to benefit farmers rather than traders. Sapkal further asserted that the government must address the crisis that farmers are currently facing, as their livelihoods depend on fair pricing of their crops.
Echoing these sentiments, NCP SP legislator Rohit Pawar warned that the struggle of onion farmers would persist until concrete governmental action is taken. He emphasized that if their demands are ignored, the farmers would intensify their protests, which could lead to further unrest. The MVA's protest reflects the ongoing challenges faced by the agricultural community in Maharashtra and underscores the need for urgent government intervention to ensure fair compensation for farmers' hard work.
