Anand villagers lock panchayat office over 'shady' land deal, Congress hints at BJP MP’s involvement

Villagers of Kahanvadi village in Anklav, Anand, are up in arms against the Gujarat government for allegedly allocating 237 bighas of land, valued at approximately ₹113.76 crore, to Rajkot Swaminarayan Gurukul at a significantly lower price of just ₹37.48 crore for educational purposes. 

On Wednesday, over 500 villagers gathered at the panchayat office in Kahanvadi the protest the sale of land.

Despite being a holiday on Mahashivratri, villagers halted the payment of revenue. They accused Anand BJP MP Mitesh Patel's involvement in the land deal at a throwaway price.

Villagers have decided to shut the panchayat until there is a consensus on the land deal. Starting Thursday, only the computer room will remain open and the revenue room will be shut, so that people of Rajkot Swaminarayan Gurukul cannot pay the revenue.

The youngsters of Kahanvadi said, “There is a rule to pay revenue within 30 days, so we will ensure that revenue is not paid before the due date. However, if the revenue payment process is carried out, we will oppose and stop it.”

Representations will be made to the Collector and MP. “We, the villagers, will seek information on whose recommendation the land was given to Rajkot Swaminarayan Gurukul and who is involved in the scam. Until a solution is reached, the panchayat will remain locked,” said the infuriated villagers.

Villagers to intensify agitation

On Monday afternoon, more than 800 villagers are likely to visit the district collector’s office to submit a petition regarding the decision to take back the land.

Former chief minister of Gujarat Shankersinh Vaghela said that it is a rule that the government cannot give land to anyone if a gram panchayat or villagers refuse to give their land to the government. 

“The government has approved the deal secretly through an administrator, which is very shameful. We will raise this serious issue in the Gujarat Legislative Assembly session and oppose the government’s decision,” said Vaghela.

Anklav Congress MLA Amit Chavda alleged that he has knowledge of BJP MP Mitesh Patel's role in this land scam. The villagers have also made allegations against the MP. Chavda also promised to raise the issue in the assembly.