Mahayuti-governed Kolhapur ZP passes resolution against Shaktipeeth Expressway

Kolhapur: A resolution opposing the proposed Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth Expressway was unanimously passed at the Kolhapur Zilla Parishad’s general body meeting on Thursday, despite Mahayuti being in power in the body.The resolution was moved by Congress group leader Eknath Patil, who urged the cancellation of the project, citing concerns over severe damage to fertile agricultural land. Members from across party lines, including BJP, supported the motion, leading to its approval.During the discussion, Zilla Parishad vice-president Tanaji Powar initially took a different stance, describing the Shaktipeeth Expressway as chief minister Devendra Fadnavis’s dream project. He said the 12 BJP members in the body supported it.BJP member Suyasha Ghatge, however, contradicted this position, saying she and her colleagues opposed the project. “This may be your personal opinion, but we will oppose the expressway,” she said, triggering a brief debate.Subsequently, Powar toned down his position, acknowledging differing views among members but expressing support for the resolution. The proposal was then passed unanimously.The Shaktipeeth Expressway project has been facing strong resistance from farmers, local organisations and opposition parties across Kolhapur, Sangli, Solapur, and Sindhudurg districts.

Critics argue that the project would significantly harm fertile farmland, horticulture zones and rural settlements.The resolution is likely to intensify political debate in Maharashtra, as it underscores a disconnect between grassroots sentiment and party leadership positions.Meanwhile, members of the Shaktipeeth Highway Virodhi Sangharsh Samiti have begun submitting objections across all 13 districts through which the road is proposed to pass. The deadline for filing objections is June 30. In Sangli district’s Walva and Palus tehsils alone, more than 2,500 farmers have lodged objections against the project over the past three days.