TRS govt pursuing "coercive development", alleges CPI-M

The CPI-M today charged the TRS government in Telangana with pursuing "coercive development" and forcibly acquiring farmers' land, and termed its actions "intolerable". Politburo member Brinda Karat said in the process of formation of the state, the TRS had given a categorical assurance on people-centric development. "Instead of that, we (now) have coercive development. Consent of farmers, cooperation of farmers is critical for development of any state; here we find TRS is forcibly taking over land and without any dialogue and discussion with farmers", she told PTI. Brinda also accused the government of "flagrantly violating" the Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013. Alleging "repression from the state", she noted the "number of arrests which are being made and the threats which are being put to farmers; this is something which is intolerable". Pointing out Adivasis' right to cultivate land under the Forest Rights Act, Brinda alleged that in Telangana, "Podu" cultivation, the traditional right recognised by law, is "being snatched away by Telangana government in collaboration with Forest Department under the Central government". "Here again the livelihood of adivasis is being bulldozed. That also is a very important aspect of this struggle for justice," she said. Brinda said, "If you look at Mallannasagar project, you see how (TRS) government is cheating...its approach to this project without taking farmers' consent and without taking farmers into confidence...how can you just take over their land for this project. Irrigation is going to help farmers so why not convince the farmers if it's so good for them." The CPI-M leader was in the city to take part in a 'Maha Dharna' organised by the Telangana Bhoonirvasithula Committee to protest the Government Order 123 which allegedly overrides the 2013 Act.