Rohit Pawar on third day of hunger strike in Pandharpur

NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar faction) MLA Rohit Pawar is on a hunger strike at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk in Pandharpur, demanding an unconditional loan waiver of up to ₹2 lakh for all farmers and removal of conditions attached to the government’s Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Loan Waiver Scheme. On the third day of the protest, his blood pressure and sugar levels have dropped. He has refused ORS and an IV drip, though he has consumed water.

According to the document detailing the protest, Mr. Pawar has not eaten food for three days and did not drink water for the first two days. On the second night, his health showed decline. Doctors advised water and ORS. He drank water but declined ORS. Later, doctors suggested an IV drip, which he also refused. Mr. Pawar has stated that he will accept the IV drip only after meeting Maharashtra’s Minister Girish Mahajan.

Minister Mahajan, described in the document as the ‘crisis-solver’ of the Fadnavis government, has left for Pandharpur to persuade Mr. Pawar to end the protest. Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharne and Cooperation Minister Balasaheb Patil have been in contact with the MLA, but the government and the Chief Minister have not agreed to his primary demands.

The NCP MLA has alleged that the State government and administration are ignoring the situation. Party workers have held protests in multiple locations. A ‘rasta roko’ was staged on Sunday in Jalgaon Jamod taluka in support of the agitation.

On the third day, Mr. Pawar’s family arrived at the site. His mother, sister, wife, and both children reached the protest location. Family members showed distress. His father, Rajendra Pawar, has been present for two days. Mr. Rajendra Pawar said, “Even though I am Rohit’s father, I have dedicated him to the cause of the farmers.” He added that the government will not respond until farmers raise their voices.

Maratha activist Manoj Jarange Patil is expected to visit the protest site in Pandharpur. Leaders from various political parties are also likely to meet Mr. Pawar. The protest continues, and all eyes are on whether the government and the MLA reach a resolution or the agitation intensifies.