Thane: Prahar Janashakti Party (PJP) organised a blood donation drive to highlight the plight of the farmers and the disabled in Maharashtra. The unique protest was held outside the residence of deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde on May 14.

Shinde met the protesters, expressed support and assured action, Adv Swapnil Patil, district president, PJP, said. “The deputy chief minister has also committed to discuss the matter with the Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis,” she said.

Party workers, office-bearers, and a large number of differently-abled citizens participated in the protest. Despite assurances from the state government a few months ago, including promises to clean farmers’ land records and support the disabled with financial aid, no concrete steps have been taken so far, PJP members claimed.