"We Will Not Give Our Land”: Farmers Oppose Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth Expressway, Maharashtra CM Fadnavis Stands Firm

Thousands of farmers from 12 districts across Vidarbha, Marathwada and western Maharashtra assembled at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan on Wednesday (12 March) to oppose the state government’s proposed 802 km Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth Expressway, reported Hindustan Times.

Chanting slogans and holding placards, the protestors declared they would not allow any survey or land acquisition for the expressway project, which they say threatens to destroy vast stretches of fertile farmland.

"To construct the Shaktipeeth expressway would be a waste of money and fertile land," said Congress MLC Satej Patil in the legislative council, expressing concern that the government was being misled by bureaucrats.

Leader of Opposition Ambadas Danve, who visited the protest site, urged the government to consider the feelings of the farmers who are opposing the project.

Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, however, remained unwavering in the legislature. “Samruddhi expressway changed the economy, and similarly, Shaktipeeth will change the life of the people in the 12 districts,” he said, calling the project a “game-changer.”

He added that over 1,000 farmers had already given written consent for the project. Still, he claimed willingness to address grievances and ready to solve the issues of the farmers.

MVA leaders, including Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Kailas Patil, NCP (SP) state president Jayant Patil, and Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar also joined the protest in solidarity.

But the farmers remained resolute. “It is a question of protecting our fertile land,” said Gajendra Yelkar, a farmer from Latur district.

The protestors also rejected a proposal to meet with public health minister Prakash Abitkar.

“Abitkar has no authority to take any decision in this issue. What is the point of meeting him?” said Girish Phonde, convenor of the Shaktipeeth Mahamarg Virodhi Sangharsh Samittee.

Announced in 2023, the expressway has faced resistance since its inception. While former CM Eknath Shinde once assured the project would not be imposed, the current Mahayuti government has signalled its intent to move forward.