Maha Elgar Yatra: With kadu in Mumbai, farmers move to Khapri to shelter from rain, sing bhajans

NAGPUR: With their leader and former MLA Bacchu Kadu in Mumbai for crucial talks with chief minister Devendra Fadnavis over the loan waiver demand, thousands of farmers and protestors participating in the Maha Elgar Yatra spent a subdued Thursday indoors, awaiting the govt response.After two days of intense marches under the scorching sun, the agitation's tempo slowed as the protest shifted from Parsodi ground on Wardha Road to a govt auditorium in Khapri rehabilitation area and ten nearby halls. The change became necessary after Wednesday night's rain turned Parsodi ground muddy and disrupted power and water supply, forcing many protestors to move or return to their villages.Around 4,000 to 5,000 protestors, including farmers and disabled persons, are now camped at various locations around Nagpur. Prahar organization officials said basic facilities have been restored at most venues, but several disabled protestors faced difficulty reaching the new site. ""If the govt is ready to resolve issues through discussion, we will respond peacefully. But if it tries to suppress us through the court, we will resist with equal determination," said Mahadev Dake and Lakshman Garad from Majalgaon in Beed district.Inside the Khapri hall, the mood was calm but resolute. Groups of farmers sang bhajans, raised slogans, and interacted with visiting journalists. "We have said what we needed to say; now it's time for the govt to listen," said farmer Dinesh Kumbhare from Yavatmal.A brief moment of levity came when local children burst firecrackers nearby, startling both police and protestors before laughter broke out. "We all stood up, unsure of what just happened," recalled farmer Deepak Tichkule.As evening fell, protestors waited anxiously for news from Mumbai. "We have come this far; we won't go back empty-handed," said farmer leader Bhaiyya Narnaware.