Chief Minister Vijay of Tamil Nadu is confronting his first significant political challenge since taking office, as the land acquisition dispute in Parandur village escalates. The village, located along the proposed Chennai-Bengaluru Expressway corridor, is resisting government efforts to acquire agricultural land for the infrastructure project.
Villagers pin hopes on CM Vijay
Residents of Ekanapuram and surrounding hamlets have refused to vacate their land, demanding fair compensation and rehabilitation. According to local leaders, over 300 families are directly affected. Parandur village panchayat president M. Rajendran said, "We trust CM Vijay to listen to our plight. He promised development without displacement."
The expressway, a flagship project of the central government, requires 1,200 acres in Kanchipuram district. Farmers argue the compensation offered is below market rates and insufficient to cover lost livelihoods. The state government has proposed a revised package, but villagers remain skeptical.
Government's position and challenges
State Revenue Minister K. Anbazhagan stated that negotiations are ongoing. "We are committed to a fair resolution. The CM has directed officials to hold direct talks with affected families," he said. However, protests have delayed construction, with deadlines for the expressway now at risk.
Political analysts view this as a test of CM Vijay's leadership. "He campaigned on a pro-people agenda. How he handles Parandur will set the tone for his tenure," said political commentator S. Ramaswamy.
Economic and social impact
Parandur is a predominantly agrarian region, with paddy and sugarcane as main crops. Land acquisition would disrupt the local economy. A government survey found that 70% of affected families depend entirely on agriculture. The state has offered compensation of Rs 25 lakh per acre, but villagers demand Rs 40 lakh.
Protests have been peaceful, with daily sit-ins at the district collector's office. The opposition AIADMK has criticized the government, accusing it of favoring corporate interests. In response, the ruling party has accused the opposition of politicizing the issue.
Next steps and deadlines
The state government has set a July 15 deadline to reach an agreement. If no consensus is reached, it may invoke the Land Acquisition Act for compulsory purchase. CM Vijay is expected to visit Parandur in the coming week to personally address concerns.
Meanwhile, the National Highways Authority of India has warned of cost overruns if the project is delayed further. The expressway is critical for reducing travel time between Chennai and Bengaluru to three hours.
