November 22, 2024
Will protests against Shaktipeeth Expressway project impact the Maharashtra election results? In early 2024, land acquisition for the 802-km project sparked farmers’ protests across 12 districts. A thread on how the protests are haunting the Mahayuti alliance this election.
The mega project aims to connect Nagpur to Goa, promising development, faster connectivity and growth in religious tourism but it cuts through large swathes of fertile agricultural land. Farmers across its length fear loss of land, livelihood and environmental degradation.
Sushila Patil, a farmer, said, “We’ll lose our farms, our income, & land. No compensation can replace our livelihoods.” Farmers across the region worry that highway will undo decades of effort, such as extensive irrigation systems,that turned barren lands into fertile fields.
Environmental concerns are also high. Shivaji Kokane, who practises organic farming, warned, “Highways can’t ensure food security for future generations. Our fertile lands are a legacy of struggle, and we won’t give them up.”
Flood-prone districts like Kolhapur & Sangli face additional risks. Farmers cautioned that the highway’s elevated structure will worsen annual floods, submerging more land & crops. "Instead of solving flood issues, this project will make them worse," says farmer Pawan Edake.
Activists and experts called it “development at the cost of agriculture and ecology.” Farmers across the region are demanding that instead of mega projects the focus should be on issues of the agri sector.
The first wave of mobilisation by the farmers was triggered by drone surveys and gazette notifications for land acquisition in early 2024. In the June 2024 Lok Sabha Elections, the ruling NDA suffered major losses in the 12 districts, winning 2 out of 15 constituencies.
Subsequently, in mid-2024, the CM Eknath Shinde promised to realign the expressway route, and the breakaway-NCP’s Ajit Pawar assured that funding for land acquisition would be halted.
In the run-up to the assembly elections, opposition to the expressway remained a key issue. Farmers said they would support candidates who oppose the project, leveraging their votes on the issue.
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