NCP (SP) MLA Jayant Patil Voices Strong Opposition to Nagpur-Goa Highway Realignment Plan
In a heated session of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, MLA Jayant Patil of the NCP (SP) launched a forceful critique against the state government's proposal to alter the alignment of the Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth Highway. Patil asserted that the project is being advanced "without any need" and poses a severe threat to fertile agricultural land in Walva taluka of Sangli district.
Highway Realignment Through Fertile Farmland Sparks Controversy
Patil emphasized that the planned new route would cut directly through the productive farmland of Walva taluka, an area he described as entirely fertile. "State government is pushing ahead with the Shaktipeeth project despite there being any necessity for it. Every inch of land in Walva taluka is fertile, yet a new alignment is being planned through Walva. There are no pilgrimage sites in the area and farmers do not want the highway to cut through their fields," Patil declared during the assembly proceedings.
Political Tensions Rise Over Highway Routing
The controversy has deep political roots. In a previous assembly session, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had announced that the highway alignment would be modified in Sangli district, with the new route passing through Patil's own constituency. The CM expressed confidence that Patil would eventually welcome the change once detailed plans were finalized.
However, the NCP (SP) has sharply questioned this narrative. "The chief minister claims that no one is opposing the Shaktipeeth project and that people from every district are demanding Shaktipeeth to go through their area. If that is true, then why is the highway's alignment being changed? I sit on the opposition benches, and now the highway is being routed through my constituency. We don't have any major pilgrimage sites, and farmers in our area will oppose giving up agricultural land," Patil countered.
References to Historical Unrest and Current Protests
Patil further intensified his criticism by referencing the governor's address, which mentioned the highway project. He drew parallels to historical unrest, stating, "The governor mentioned the highway project in his address. There is opposition to the project even in Marathwada, where the Nizam once fought. Farmers are protesting against the project and government is arresting them. People are beginning to feel as though Nizam rule is returning."
He passionately defended the agricultural value of the land, adding, "Why are you building this road? Why this insistence? Our fields are fertile. We worked hard to ensure water reached everywhere. We will not allow you to take this fertile land."
Government Crackdown on Land Acquisition Resistance
Amidst the political debate, the revenue department in Solapur district issued a stringent order on February 25, aimed at preventing any resistance to the land-mapping process for the highway project. The order covers nine villages in Barshi tehsil:
- Gaudgaon
- Ratanjan
- Malegaon
- Ambegaon
- Ambabaichiwadi
- Jalabgaon
- Hattij
- Chinchkhopan
- Shelgaon
The land mapping for acquisition is scheduled for February 26, 27, and 28. The order explicitly prohibits:
- Unlawful gatherings
- Blocking of land measurement activities
- Obstructing officials during the process
- Groups of five or more people within village limits on mapping days
Sub-divisional magistrate Sadashiv Padune stated that the order would remain effective from midnight of February 25 until the land-counting process concludes in Gaudgaon. "Violations will invite punitive action," Padune warned, highlighting the government's determination to proceed with the project despite mounting opposition.
