Development vs. Displacement: Brijmohan Agarwal Intervenes in MLA Colony Land Dispute

Raipur MP Brijmohan Agrawal has intervened in the ongoing dispute surrounding the proposed construction of an MLA colony in Nakti village, advocating for the rights of the existing residents. Agrawal has written to Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, urging a halt to the project due to concerns about the displacement of over 80 poor families. The land, encompassing 15.4790 hectares (Khasra number 460), is currently occupied by these families, some of whom have been allocated homes under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. Moreover, the site includes essential community infrastructure. Agrawal emphasized that the land is considered a shared resource by the villagers, with historical significance, and that both the Gram Sabha and Panchayat have opposed the colony’s construction. He suggested that the MLA colony be built on vacant land, avoiding the displacement of current residents. Former MLA Devjibhai Patel has also highlighted the struggles of the villagers, most of whom live below the poverty line and depend on the land for their livelihood. Agrawal has called upon the Chief Minister to prevent any immediate construction and to maintain the current situation. This issue has brought the debate of development against displacement into the public forum. Agrawal firmly believes that development should not come at the cost of the poor. This intervention has sparked optimism among the local community, who are awaiting the government’s response to this sensitive matter.