Mumbai: Farmers from 12 districts staged a dharna at Azad Maidan on Wednesday, coinciding with the state legislature’s budget session. The protest highlighted concerns over land loss and displacement due to the proposed Shaktipeeth Expressway. Opposition MLAs visited the protest site to understand the farmers’ concerns. Subsequently, discussions regarding the highway took place in the legislative assembly.
Leaders Raise Concerns On Behalf Of The Farmers
Legislative Council Opposition leader Ambadas Danve, Congress MLC Satej Patil and NCP (SP) MLA Jayant Patil raised concerns on behalf of the farmers and expressed their opposition. They pointed out that former chief minister Eknath Shinde had announced that the highway would not be built, and asked the current government to clarify its stand.
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis' Statement
In response, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, “The government’s stance is clear. The Shaktipeeth Highway will be constructed, but it will not be imposed on anyone. This highway will transform the landscape of five districts in Marathwada. Farmers want this road; it is not being forced upon them. Just as the Samruddhi Mahamarg changed lives in 12 districts, this highway will also bring transformation.”
“While a protest march was organised against the project, there will be three times as many rallies in support of it. In villages where discussions were held, farmers willingly contributed their own money for the project. They have been compensated at five times the value of their land. The opposition should come forward and support this initiative as well,” he said.
Demand Made By Satej Patil
Satej Patil demanded that the chief minister invite the farmers who oppose the highway for a discussion. The expressway was first announced in the 2024-25 budget under Shinde. However, protests ahead of the 2024 Vidhan Sabha elections forced the government to put it on hold. After the Fadnavisled government came to power, the project was revived.
In his recent budget announcement for 2025-26, Finance Minister Ajit Pawar confirmed that land acquisition process for the project is in progress. Governor Radhakrishnan also reiterated the government’s commitment, stating that the project would be completed after addressing public concerns.
