Delhi and Haryana villagers at Mahapanchayat warn of boycotting elections unless rural issues such as land rights, infrastructure, and ownership concerns are addressed.
Massive Protests at Jantar Mantar Over Rural Neglect
A large group of villagers from Delhi and Haryana gathered at Jantar Mantar on Sunday, expressing their growing frustration with the government’s handling of rural issues. Hundreds of residents, led by Chaudhary Surender Solanki, head of the Palam 360 Khap, came together to voice their concerns about the deteriorating condition of villages and the government’s failure to address crucial problems related to infrastructure, land rights, and representation.
The Mahapanchayat, was organized to address what villagers see as the government’s neglect of rural areas in comparison to urban regions. Solanki, a key leader of the protest, highlighted the vital contributions that rural communities have made to Delhi’s development while lamenting their current state of neglect. “Rural areas have been left in a state of limbo—neither fully urbanized nor retaining their rural essence,” he said
Concerns Over Living Conditions and Infrastructure
The most pressing issue raised by the protestors was the poor living conditions in rural villages surrounding Delhi. Solanki criticized the government for its uneven treatment of rural communities compared to the well-developed urban parts of the city. He pointed out that many villages lack even the most basic infrastructure, such as proper sewage systems and well-maintained roads. “Villagers are forced to live in appalling conditions where roads are filled with potholes, and there is no proper drainage. Life in these areas has become unbearable,” he stated.
He further emphasized that despite being major contributors to the city’s development, villages have been left in a dilapidated state. Solanki explained that the neglect of rural areas has created regions that resemble slums, where living conditions are far from adequate for residents.
The Mahapanchayat is demanding that the government urgently take steps to improve the infrastructure in rural areas before the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections. Solanki made it clear that villagers will boycott the elections if the government does not address their concerns. “We are not asking for much, just basic necessities and fair treatment,” he said, adding that the rural population will no longer tolerate being overlooked while urban areas flourish.
Key Issues: Land Rights, Ownership, and Compensation
While poor infrastructure was a central issue, the Mahapanchayat also highlighted several other concerns, especially regarding land ownership and compensation for lands acquired by the government. One of the primary demands was the resumption of the land mutation process in Delhi’s villages, which has been stalled. Villagers are seeking clarity on land ownership rights and are pushing for the government to resolve this issue immediately.
The Mahapanchayat also called for alternative plots of land to be provided to those whose lands have been taken over by the government for various development projects. This demand stems from cases where land was acquired without proper compensation or alternative arrangements, leaving many villagers without the resources they relied on for their livelihoods.
Another major demand was related to the implementation of the Swamitva Yojana, a government initiative aimed at providing ownership rights to rural residents. However, protestors argued that the scheme should be implemented without imposing the financial burden of stamp duty on villagers. They urged the government to make this process easier and less expensive for rural communities, ensuring that they receive full ownership of their lands without additional costs.
Demands for Policy Reforms: Master Plan, Land Pooling, and Outdated Laws
The protestors also called for the notification of the 2041 Master Plan, which would lay out the development framework for Delhi, including its rural areas. Solanki and others at the Mahapanchayat argued that without proper notification and clarity on this plan, villages are being left in a state of uncertainty regarding future development.
Additionally, the Mahapanchayat urged the government to amend the land pooling policy, which they believe has been disadvantageous to rural landowners. Under the current policy, land from different owners is pooled together for development, but villagers claim that they have not been fairly compensated or involved in these processes.
Another major concern was the existence of outdated land laws, which the villagers argued are no longer suitable for current times. They demanded the cancellation of these obsolete regulations, which they believe are hindering the growth and development of rural areas.
Protestors Demand Halt to Demolitions and Encroachment by Authorities
Aside from the issues surrounding land rights and policies, the Mahapanchayat also voiced opposition to the ongoing demolition and sealing drives being conducted by the government in rural areas. Protestors claimed that these drives are unjustly targeting rural properties and causing distress to villagers.
In particular, the Mahapanchayat called for an immediate end to what they described as encroachment by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and electricity companies. Many villagers have expressed concerns that these organizations are taking over rural land and infrastructure without proper authorization or compensation. Solanki warned that such actions are adding to the grievances of rural residents, further contributing to the sense of injustice.
15-Day Ultimatum and Threat of Indefinite Protest
Solanki concluded the Mahapanchayat by issuing a clear ultimatum to the government: address the concerns of the rural population within 15 days or face the consequences. He warned that if the government does not take meaningful steps to resolve the issues raised during the protest, villagers will launch an indefinite protest, escalating their efforts to make their voices heard.
“This is not just a warning, but a promise. If our demands are not met within 15 days, we will continue our protest until the government listens to us,” Solanki said. The villagers are adamant that the time for action is now, with the upcoming elections serving as a key pressure point for the government.
Rural Voices Demand Action Ahead of Elections
As the Delhi Assembly elections approach, the Mahapanchayat has placed significant pressure on the government to act swiftly. Villagers argue that their needs have been consistently ignored while urban areas thrive. Solanki and the other protestors are determined to hold the government accountable, using the upcoming elections as leverage to push for the changes they believe are long overdue.
By addressing issues such as infrastructure development, land rights, and outdated policies, the protestors hope to create a better future for rural residents in Delhi and Haryana. However, if the government fails to act, it could face a boycott at the polls, a move that would send a strong message about the power of the rural vote in shaping the political landscape of the region.
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