“Will Talk to Farmers, Not Political Rivals”: Fadnavis on Shaktipeeth Row
GG News Bureau
Mumbai, 25th June: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the ambitious ₹86,000 crore Shaktipeeth Highway project, stating he is open to dialogue with farmers opposing it, but will not entertain “political opposition” — a veiled reference to the Congress party.
The 802-kilometre expressway aims to connect 12 districts and 18 religious sites across Maharashtra, reducing the travel time between Nagpur and Goa from 18 hours to just 8. However, the project has sparked controversy, particularly over issues of land acquisition and compensation, leading to stiff resistance from farmers and even dissent within the ruling Mahayuti alliance.
“The Congress has always opposed developmental works in Maharashtra. They had also protested the Samruddhi Expressway, but eventually the people backed it,” Fadnavis said. Recounting a recent incident, he claimed that around 350 farmers had surrounded him and handed over letters of support for the project. “We understand some people have concerns, and we are willing to speak with them. But political opposition will not dictate our development agenda,” he added.
The project was placed on hold ahead of the Assembly elections due to growing unrest among the farming community. However, following Mahayuti’s electoral success, it received Cabinet clearance, rekindling the protests.
What has added to the pressure on the government is the opposition not just from farmers, but also from within. State ministers Prakash Abitkar and Hasan Mushrif, both hailing from Kolhapur — the epicentre of the protest — raised objections during the Cabinet meeting. Minister Abitkar said, “It was our duty to represent the farmers’ concerns. The cabinet takes decisions in the interest of the state, but differing views must be heard.”
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde acknowledged the concerns raised, stating that the Cabinet would consider alternatives. “Wherever there is opposition, dialogue will be held. A solution will emerge. The Shaktipeeth Highway is crucial for Maharashtra’s growth,” he said.
Maharashtra Congress president Harshvardhan Sapkal, however, slammed the government’s insistence on pushing forward the project. “At a time when the state is grappling with an economic crisis and the farmers are strongly opposed, the highway is not a priority. This is being done to benefit industrialist friends. Maharashtra does not need this highway,” he said.
Farmer leader Raju Shetty also issued a stern warning, threatening strong resistance if the government moves ahead with surveys or construction. “If drones are used to conduct surveys, we know how to use a slingshot. We will fight till our last drop of blood,” he declared.
