Raju Shetti Demands Scrapping Of Shaktipeeth Expressway, Warns Of Agitation

Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana chief and former MP Raju Shetti has demanded the immediate scrapping of the proposed Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth Expressway, warning of aggressive agitation. Speaking after a farmers' rally in Parbhani, Shetti alleged the project would acquire nearly 26,000 acres of fertile land, over 19,000 acres of which is irrigated, across 12 districts.

Shetti questioned the necessity of an eight-lane expressway when four-lane highways already exist on most stretches. He criticized the project as a pretext for seizing agricultural land from farmers and alleged potential for massive financial corruption involving thousands of crores through privatization.

Addressing agrarian distress in Marathwada, Shetti noted farmers in Beed, Parbhani and neighbouring regions already face recurring drought and crop failures. He warned that forcing the expressway could trigger widespread unrest and urged the state government to provide financial compensation to affected farmers and improve implementation of crop insurance schemes.