Durga Landowners Protest Lathicharge: MLA Devendra Yadav Begins Hunger Strike, Slams BJP’s Authoritarian Approach

Digital Desk

Landowners in Durga recently took to the streets to protest the hike in guideline rates, leading to police lathicharge and FIRs against several participants. In response, Bhilai MLA Devendra Yadav has commenced a one-day hunger strike.

Reports indicate that all district-level Congress office-bearers and leaders joined Yadav at Patel Chowk, the site of the protest. The Congress alleges that the BJP state government has ignored the legitimate demands of the public and resorted to force, demonstrating insensitivity toward citizens’ concerns.

MLA Devendra Yadav said, “The lathicharge on protesting landowners, farmers, and common citizens reflects the BJP government’s oppressive and authoritarian mindset.” He asserted that the demands of the landowners are legitimate and criticized the government for raising registry rates, which, he said, crushes the dreams of poor and middle-class families aspiring to build homes.

Peaceful Protest Met With Force, Congress Calls It Abuse of Power

Durga City Congress President Dheeraj Bakliwal noted that the landowners’ demonstration was entirely peaceful, focusing on the rollback of the increased guideline rates. Despite ongoing protests and hunger strikes over five days, no minister or BJP representative met the protesters to address their grievances. Citing this neglect and insensitivity, police resorted to lathicharge on Tuesday, which the Congress described as misuse of power.

Registry Hike Burdens Ordinary Families

Durga Rural Congress President Rakesh Thakur highlighted that the increased registry fees directly harm families saving for small plots to build homes. He explained that in Urla, a plot previously costing ₹300-400 per sq. ft. incurred registry charges of ₹30,000-40,000. With the guideline rate now at ₹2,200 per sq. ft., registry fees have surged to ₹2-2.5 lakh. Consequently, buyers of a ₹3 lakh plot would need to pay nearly ₹2 lakh in registry fees alone, an amount beyond the reach of ordinary citizens.

This protest underscores the growing discontent among landowners and common citizens over steep regulatory fees and the perceived heavy-handed approach of the state government.