Synopsis
On March 13, farmers from 12 districts gathered in Mumbai to protest against the ₹86,300 crore Shaktipeeth Highway project. They expressed their opposition to land acquisition and called for the cancellation of the project, highlighting government negligence towards farmers' demands and concerns.Key Takeaways
- A large protest against the Shaktipeeth Highway took place in Mumbai.
- Farmers from 12 districts are opposing land acquisition.
- Political leaders are voicing support for the farmers' cause.
- The project raises concerns over financial burdens on the state.
- Future gatherings and protests are planned to continue the fight.
Mumbai, March 13 (NationPress) A significant number of farmers from 12 districts affected by the ₹86,300 crore Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth Highway converged in Mumbai on Wednesday in opposition to the project.
They collectively declared that officials would be barred from entering for land measurement intended for acquisition.
Farmers from 12 districts including Kolhapur, Solapur, Sangli, Sindhudurg, Yavatmal, Wardha, Beed, Parbhani, Hingoli, Nanded, Dharashiv, and Latur protested, demanding the cancellation of the Shaktipeeth highway. Support for the protest came from farmer organizations, legislators, and both opposition and ruling party members.
NCP (SP) MLA Jayant Patil stated, "The government is constructing this road without any requests from farmers. This new approach is merely a way to generate party funds while burdening all of us with costs. We will initiate action only if you, the farmers, are against this."
Congress MLC Satej Patil remarked, "This highway serves the interests of contractors. The government is executing projects that only benefit them."
Former MP and farmer leader Raju Shetti mentioned, "A parallel road from Nagpur to Ratnagiri already exists, but it is underutilized and incurring losses. With each kilometer of road costing ₹35 crore, the Shaktipeeth Road will be ₹107 crore. As the state grapples with debt, this project will exacerbate the financial burden."
Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, Ambadas Danve, presented a video clip of former Chief Minister Eknath Shinde promising to abolish the Shakti Peeth. "If it isn’t abolished now, then Fadnavis is ignoring you," Danve quipped to Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
To escalate their efforts against the Shakti Peeth Highway, a gathering is scheduled in Latur on April 8. They also plan to organize meetings in each district, conduct house-to-house marches for accountability from local representatives and ministers, and display black flags in fields to protest the government’s decision.
Wednesday's protest followed remarks by Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar, who noted in his budget speech that the land acquisition process for the Maharashtra Shaktipeeth Highway, which spans 760 km, is underway.
Public Health Minister Prakash Abitkar, representing Kolhapur district, where some farmers along with those from Sangli oppose the project, mentioned that the government is open to addressing their issues and is offering higher compensation to the affected farmers.
