On January 25, 2026, more than 40,000 farmers and tribal workers began a major protest march in Nashik. The march is led by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) and All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS). This follows a four-day protest in Palghar involving nearly 50,000 participants. The leaders include CPI(M) Polit Bureau member and AIKS National President Dr. Ashok Dhawale, former CPI(M) Central Committee member and ex-AIKS State President J.P Gavit, along with Dr. Ajit Nawale, CPI(M) Central Committee member and AIKS National Joint Secretary. The protest focuses on key agricultural and labor issues. Their statement said the march raised concerns over the neglect of multiple promises related to the Forest Rights Act (FRA), PESA, irrigation projects, and filling thousands of vacancies in Zilla Parishad schools. The group also criticized the BJP-led Central and State Governments for pro-corporate policies. These include the smart meter scheme, undermining of the MNREGA program, land grabs by government-corporate alliances, and imposing four Labour Codes. This protest aims to press for justice and protection of farmers and tribal workers' rights.