Gujarat : Farmers of 11 villages in Vadodara threaten to boycott Lok Sabha Election

Vadodara : In the verdant expanses of Vadodara district, a collective murmur of dissent has risen to a crescendo as farmers from approximately 11 villages, including the small settlement of Handod in Karajan taluka, have taken a stand against what they perceive as gross injustice. Their grievance? Inadequate compensation for their lands, which have been earmarked for major infrastructure projects like the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway and the Railway Corridor.

As the Lok Sabha elections loom on the horizon, these farmers have chosen a path of peaceful protest, symbolized by banners that now flutter in the breeze, carrying a clear message for political parties: “Keep Out.” This act of defiance is not just a statement but a testament to their resolve, as they allege that the government has seized their land without fair remuneration.

The Delhi-Mumbai Expressway and Railway Corridor, ambitious projects that promise to revolutionize connectivity, cut through the heart of around 20 villages, including Kambola, Bodka, Mangrol, and Kanbha. The government’s acquisition of 300 acres from over 100 farmers has sparked a battle for justice, as the farmers’ pleas for proper compensation remain unheeded.

The discontent has led to a bold decision: a boycott of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Villages like Handod and Sampa have become beacons of this protest, with banners proclaiming their electoral abstinence. By evening, it is expected that 20 villages will have joined this silent yet powerful protest, standing in solidarity with those who have lost their lands.

Prafulbhai Bhatt, a farmer from Handod, voices the frustration of many when he says that the government has offered nothing but a “free of coat rate” for their fertile fields. Despite taking their case to court, the farmers have seen no action from the government regarding compensation.

“We have raised our banners high, calling for an election boycott, as our issues remain unresolved,” says Bhatt. “By the end of the day, every village will have made its stance clear.”

This movement is not just about land or money; it’s about respect and the right to a fair deal. As the farmers of Vadodara district unite in their protest, their message is unequivocal: without justice, there can be no peace. And as the sun sets on these villages, the banners rise, painting a picture of a community that demands to be heard.