Maharashtra: The Akhil Bhartiya Bharashtachar Nirmulan Sangharsh Samiti (ABBNSS) and BRICS Human Rights Mission have called for a mass participation in a historic march and hunger strike, set to take place on February 10, 2025, from Pingane to Shahada. The march will begin at 10:00 AM, starting from the village of Pingane, and will proceed to the Panchayat Samiti Office in Shahada, Nandurbar district. This event aims to raise awareness about the widespread corruption and injustices in the region, especially the corruption plaguing the administrative functioning of the area.
Pradeep Patil Khandapurkar Baba, national president of the Akhil Bhartiya Bharashtachar Nirmulan Sangharsh Samiti, made a fervent appeal to all officials from the 36 districts of Maharashtra to attend the event. The appeal was made during a workers’ meeting held in Yevala, Dhule, Nandurbar, and Parola (Jalgaon district).
In his address, Baba highlighted the critical issues facing the village of Pingane, located just one kilometer from Shahada. For the past 16 years, there have been no village meetings or gram sabhas held, and the village has suffered immensely from rampant corruption in every aspect of its governance. Despite being in close proximity to Shahada, the village’s local government official (Gram Sevak) has never visited the village. Additionally, false records have been created to suggest that the Gram Sevak resides in Pingane, enabling them to unlawfully claim rent for non-existent property.
Baba further pointed out the significant injustice done to the Bhoyee community, whose land was encroached upon by the Gram Sevak in a shocking act of malpractice. This land encroachment is seen as a grave injustice to the Bhoyee society.
Despite clear directives from the Chief Executive Officer of Nandurbar District Panchayat and the Deputy Chief Executive Officer to take legal action against the guilty Panchayat Head (Sarpanch) and Gram Sevak, the Block Development Officer in Shahada has sided with the accused and has been pressuring the leadership of the Akhil Bhartiya Bharashtachar Nirmulan Sangharsh Samiti, including Nandurbar District President Chandrakant Patil, to withdraw their protest. He has even issued personal threats, including threats of physical harm.
The protest is now set to escalate. On February 10, 2025, the march will culminate in a hunger strike by 251 prominent leaders from the Akhil Bhartiya Bharashtachar Nirmulan Sangharsh Samiti and BRICS Human Rights Mission. This will include Maharashtra state president Anil Dada Desale, Maharashtra Industrial Department president Shravan Rawanukule, Nandurbar District President Chandrakant Patil, and Nandurbar District Organizer Raju Bhoi, among others.
Pradeep Patil Khandapurkar Baba made a passionate plea to his fellow workers, urging them to participate in this crucial event. He stressed that Nandurbar District President Chandrakant Patil is facing a grave crisis, and it is not just his personal crisis but a collective challenge for everyone involved. Baba called on everyone to join the movement to ensure justice for their community and to protect the integrity of their leadership. He emphasized that the survival of their leader, Chandrakant Patil, is essential for the well-being of their entire movement.
“We must stand united for justice. Join the February 10 march at Pingane to demand action against the corrupt officials and to ensure that justice prevails in our community,” Baba urged.
This is a pivotal moment in the ongoing fight against corruption, and the success of this movement could set a significant precedent in the battle for transparency and accountability within local governance.
