Police detained members of the Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana on Friday during a protest against Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate. The protesters clashed with police after officers took them into custody ahead of the minister’s arrival in Kolhapur.
The protest stemmed from Kokate’s recent remark that “Even a beggar does not take Re 1 as alms, but here we are giving crop insurance for Re 1. Even then there are people who try to misuse it. There are irregularities, like people from other states applying.” His statement sparked outrage across the state. Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana launched protests, demanding an explanation from the minister during his visit to Kolhapur.
Police had assured the activists that they would arrange a discussion with Kokate. They were invited to a government guesthouse for talks. As they waited outside, police detained them just before the minister’s arrival at 12:30 p.m. The sudden action led to chaos. Farmers reacted aggressively, resulting in a scuffle with police. The situation turned tense as protesters raised slogans against the police and the state government.