Farmers Raise Flags in Fields: A Stand Against Shaktipeeth Expressway

Farmers from 12 districts in Maharashtra plan to hoist the national flag in their fields on Independence Day as a protest against the Shaktipeeth Expressway, claiming it will destroy fertile land. The protest slogan, ''The tricolour flutters in our field, Shaktipeeth has no place in our farmland,'' aims to send a strong message to the state government, stated Congress MLC Satej Patil.

In a recent online meeting by the Shaktipeeth Expressway Virodhi Sangharsh Samiti, attended by farmers and public representatives from affected districts, the decision for this symbolic protest was finalized. Approved in June by the Maharashtra cabinet, the expressway project received an allocation of Rs 20,787 crore, expected to connect eastern Maharashtra with southern Konkan, reducing travel time from 18 hours to eight.

However, critics argue the project mainly benefits contractors and politicians. During protests, leaders called on the government to focus on road construction in underdeveloped areas and provide loan waivers for farmers. The movement, supported by leaders like Shiv Sena's Vinayak Raut and farmer leader Raju Shetti, aims to raise awareness and engage more communities through resolutions and signature campaigns.

(With inputs from agencies.)