Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has met Amit Bhatnagar, a key activist leading the protest against the Ken-Betwa Link Project in Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh.
During the meeting, activists raised concerns about the displacement, rehabilitation and rights of tribal families affected by the project. They told Gandhi that affected communities had been holding a long-running Satyagraha seeking their rights and justice.
Gandhi shared a video of the meeting on social media on Wednesday and expressed support for the protesters.
Gandhi promises support
After the meeting, Gandhi said residents of Bundelkhand fighting for their legitimate rights deserved support and dignity.
He assured the delegation that he and the Congress would stand with the affected tribal families and promised to raise their concerns on a wider political platform.
He also said that he would join the protest on the ground himself if necessary.
Amit Bhatnagar met Rahul Gandhi in protest against the Ken-Betwa Project.
Displacement and rehabilitation concerns
Activists told Gandhi that a large number of families in Panna and Chhatarpur districts would be affected by the project.
They raised concerns over land acquisition, displacement, rehabilitation and livelihood. Protesters claimed that several families had not received adequate land-for-land compensation or rehabilitation benefits available under the law.
Environmental concerns
The activists also raised concerns about the project’s impact on the forest area of Panna Tiger Reserve. They claimed that large-scale tree felling could cause environmental damage.
They also questioned the consent of gram sabhas and other administrative procedures linked to the project.
The protesters alleged that they had faced police action and other forms of pressure during their demonstrations.
Rahul Gandhi has shared a video on X.
Agitation has continued for years
Opposition to the Ken-Betwa Link Project has continued in Bundelkhand for several years, with activists including Bhatnagar staging Satyagrahas and protests over displacement, rehabilitation and the rights of affected families.
Following the meeting with Gandhi, protesters said they hoped their concerns would receive greater political and public attention.
The protestors had performed Jal Satyagraha in this manner.
‘No family should be displaced without dignified rehabilitation’
Gandhi assured the delegation that he would raise issues related to rehabilitation, land rights and alleged forced evictions in Parliament.
He said no family should be displaced without dignified rehabilitation, alternative livelihood opportunities and transparent implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006.
He also criticised the alleged use of police force, bulldozers and other coercive measures against tribal people protesting peacefully.
Gandhi urged the Centre and the Madhya Pradesh government to take immediate action on the demands of the affected families.
