MBVA's 'Jail Bharo' Protest Demands End to Encroachment Drive in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
The Marathwada Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (MBVA) staged a 'Jail Bharo' protest in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, demanding the cancellation of the district collector's July 17 notification to clear government Gairan land and an immediate halt to the encroachment drive against marginalized communities.
MbvaGairan LandEncroachment DriveJail BharoChhatrapati SambhajinagarReal Estate PuneAug 19, 2025
Other key demands included the immediate implementation of the reservation policy in promotions, the cancellation of the Jan Suraksha Act, and an increase in the amount limit of the Dadasaheb Gaikwad Finance scheme to Rs 50 lakh. Protesters also demanded that encroachments on forest lands be regularized and that financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh be provided to purchase plots under the Ramai Awas and PM Awas schemes.
Hundreds of agitators were arrested during the protest, and they strongly condemned the administration. MBVA president Ramesh Gaikwad led the agitation, alongside other leaders such as Prakash Kamble, Arvind Kamble, Vijay Wahul, Baburao Wakekar, Bhimrao Gadekar, and Sunil Avsarmal, who addressed the gathering. The agitators threatened to intensify their protests if their demands were not met.
On Tuesday, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Divisional Commissioner Jitendra Papalkar assured the public that no one would be removed from the Gairan lands (Empty Government Grazing Lands). However, on July 17, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar District Collector Dilip Swami issued a notification stating that all encroachments on Gairan lands would be removed.
People have been living on these lands for several years. If they are suddenly removed, they will become homeless. Therefore, the Gairan holders have demanded that the notification be cancelled and that they be granted ownership rights to the land. The MBVA's 'Jail Bharo' agitation is a strong call to action, reflecting the deep concerns of marginalized communities in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
The MBVA's demands are not just about land rights but also about social and economic justice. The organization believes that the government's encroachment drive is targeting the most vulnerable sections of society, further exacerbating their struggles. The protest highlights the need for a more inclusive and equitable approach to land management and urban development in the region.
The MBVA's 'Jail Bharo' agitation has brought the issue of Gairan land encroachment to the forefront, urging the government to reconsider its policies and address the genuine concerns of the affected communities. The ongoing struggle for land rights and social justice in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar continues to gain momentum, with the MBVA and other local organizations leading the charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 'Jail Bharo' agitation?
The 'Jail Bharo' agitation is a form of protest where participants voluntarily get arrested to draw attention to their demands. In this case, the MBVA organized the protest to demand the cancellation of the district collector's notification to clear Gairan land and to stop the encroachment drive.
What is Gairan land?
Gairan land, also known as Empty Government Grazing Land, is government-owned land that is typically used for grazing livestock. In many cases, these lands have been occupied by local communities for generations.
Why are the MBVA and other organizations protesting?
The MBVA and other organizations are protesting because the encroachment drive is targeting marginalized communities, including Dalits, Muslims, OBCs, and poor shopkeepers. They are demanding that the government cancel the notification to clear Gairan land and provide ownership rights to the people living on these lands.
What other demands did the MBVA make during the protest?
In addition to the cancellation of the Gairan land notification and the halt of the encroachment drive, the MBVA demanded the implementation of the reservation policy in promotions, the cancellation of the Jan Suraksha Act, an increase in the Dadasaheb Gaikwad Finance scheme limit to Rs 50 lakh, the regularization of forest land encroachments, and financial assistance for housing schemes.
What assurance did the Divisional Commissioner give?
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Divisional Commissioner Jitendra Papalkar assured the public that no one would be removed from the Gairan lands. However, the district collector's notification to clear these lands remains in effect, leading to ongoing protests and demands for its cancellation.
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