Sharad Joshi launches agitation against SEZs in Aurangabad

Aurangabad, Maharashtra, Feb 25 (UNI) Shetkari Sanghatana leader Sharad Joshi today launched an agitation against Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in the state at a farmers rally in Adgaon Budruk, about 20 km from here.

Addressing the rally, Mr Joshi asked the farmers affected by the SEZs in the district, to defeat politicians who would approach them seeking votes in the Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections.

He urged them not to believe any political leader, who promised to solve their problems.

''You believed them when they announced free electricity, but they gave free power to withdraw it immediately,'' he said.

The proposed SEZ in Aurangabad district is related to the Videocon Group and at least eight villages, including Adgaon will be affected, Mr Joshi said.

''We are not particularly opposed to the SEZs, these can be built only after taking the farmers directly into confidence. We do not believe the government or its agencies,'' he said adding that the government should also withdraw the noitification published recently for land acquisition in Aurangabad district.

''Those who want to do farming, should not be disturbed at any cost,'' he said.

Those who do not want to the farming on their lands, should have an option of selling it according to the market prices, Mr Joshi said.

The Videocon is just offering around Rs 75,000 per acre of land, of which, the market price is about Rs 20 lakh as the area is close to the Aurangabad city.

''We will not talk to the government unless it withdrew land acquisition notification,'' he stressed.

Several local farmers, who had resolved to fight any move of the government to acquire the land, also addressed the rally.

UNI