VP, Bardhan to address rally against hi-tech city on Oct 29

Varanasi, Oct 27 (UNI) A galaxy of political leaders, including former Prime Minister V P Singh, CPI general secretary A B Bardhan, CPI(M) leader Subhasini Ali and Jan Morcha leader Raj Babbar, will on October 29 lend support to the ongoing farmers' movement against the proposed hi-tech city here.

CPI(M) leader and convenor of Khet Bachao Kisan Sanghursh Samiti (KBKSS) Hiralal Yadav told newspersons here today that Jan Morcha leaders V P Singh and Babbar, CPI(M) leader Subhasini Ali and CPI general secretary A B Bardhan will address the 'Maha Kisan Rally' in Korauta village here on October 29.

Mr Yadav said the rally was in continuation of vehement farmers' opposition to the Uttar Pradesh government move to develop a hi-tech city on 2,200 acres of agricultural land in Korauta and 10 adjoining villages. ''If the land is acquired and the hi-tech city developed, at least 50,000 population of 11 villages will be displaced.'' Every day 500 quintals of vegetables are sent from Korauta and 10 other villages to urban markets. Besides, Rabi and Kharif crops as well as flowers are grown in the villages concerned.

The hi-tech city by displacing farmers from their land will not only result in unemployment, but affect the overall agricultural production, especially vegetable output, Mr Yadav maintained.

''We will not let the hi-tech city develop on fertile land.

The Maha Kisan Rally is part of the attempt to block the 'anti-agrarian' project,'' he asserted.

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