In Maharashtra, Gram Sabhas defeat BJP’s destructive mining agenda : gains record victory in 2 zilla parishad, 4 panchayat samiti seats

In Surjagad and other locations, Gram Sabhas make their positions clear. Defeating BJP’s destructive mining agenda, wins recorded in 2 zilla parishad, 4 panchayat samiti seats.

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Gadchiroli 16.02.2017

In a straight defeat of the BJP government’s forceful imposition of the destructive mining agenda, Gram Sabhas gained victory over 2 zilla parishad and 4 panchayat samiti seats. With this, Gram Sabhas have made their positions against mining clear in Surjagad, Damkondavahi, Agri-Maseli and other locations.

Despite strong opposition from the local residents, mining has been launched by the government in Surjagad. Additionally, new mines have been proposed in Damkondvahi, Agri-Maseli and other locations. By doing so, PESA Act, Forest Rights Act and other laws have been violated.

Regardless of Gram Sabhas’ resistance, the government wants to forcefully start the mining project here. And those elected representatives who ought to have stood with the public have now become agents of rich merchants and are involved in forcefully passing the mining proposals.

Therefore, in opposition to mining, Gram Sabhas entered the electoral fray. And, they put forward the slogan of intensifying their struggle against the Brahminical-capitalist policy of development. And, by winning the election, they gave a referendum for all mines in Gadchiroli district to be cancelled.

We believe that voices of the people has reached the guardians and ministers of Gadchiroli and Bhartiya Janata Party. We appeal to the guardian minister of Gadchiroli to respect the decision of people and stop promoting the anti-people mines.

Cancellation of all proposed mines in the district, effective implementation of the Forest Rights Act and PESA Act, improvement of health and education systems in rural areas and ongoing persecution of adivasi and other communities were the issues on which gram sabhas fought elections. And it is on these issues of the public that gram sabhas and elected representatives will resolve to work in the future too.

In the past few weeks, people’s candidates and gram sabha activists have had to suffer heavy repression. 3 people’s candidates were imprisoned for 15 days under false charges. Because of this repression, people’s candidates did not get time to campaign. In spite of this, gram sabhas showed their solidarity. In other locations too, gram sabhas have won good number of votes and they have been instrumental in defeating  BJP. Communist Party of India, Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh, Bahujan Republican Socialist Party and other progressive party organisations shared their support to gram sabha candidates who fought as people’s candidates.

This is not the end of our struggle, but a sign of the robust struggle of people. Our struggle against mining and displacement and will continued with an increased vigor.

Jai Seva. Jai Johar. Jai Bhim. Inquilab Zindabad.

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Elected representatives appointed by people:

Zilla parishad:

Arewada-Nelgunda – Advocate Lalsu Nagoti

Gatta-Udera – Sainu Gota

Panchayat Samiti:

Arewada – Premila Zaru Kudyami

Nelgunda – Sukram Mahagu Madavi

Kothi – Goi Baldev Kodape

Gatta – Sheela Gota

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Issued by:

Surjagad Ilaka Paaramparik Gotul Samiti, Bhamragad Patti Paaramparik Gotul Samiti,

Khutgaon, Zada-Papda, Kumkot Paaramparik Gotul Samitis

For more information, contact :

Bavsu Pave – 8275419318

Lalsu Nagoti – 9405130530