Intensify protest over land acquisition: Rakesh Tikait urges Noida farmers

Rakesh Tikait, the national spokesperson of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU), called on farmers in Noida to intensify their protest against the acquisition of agricultural land for upcoming development projects. In his statement, Tikait alleged that the local administration was actively preventing farmers from organizing demonstrations and from meeting with government officials, as the aggrieved landowners seek allocation of developed residential plots and enhanced compensation.

The dispute centres on parcels of farmland in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, that have been earmarked for residential and commercial development. While the BKU did not disclose exact compensation figures, the farmers have repeatedly demanded that any settlement include not only monetary remuneration but also the provision of fully developed housing units. The spokesperson highlighted that the administration’s refusal to allow protest gatherings and official dialogues has escalated tensions.

Land acquisition for urban expansion has long been a flashpoint in the region, with farmers often contesting the adequacy of compensation and the loss of livelihood. The BKU, representing a large segment of the farming community, views the current standoff as indicative of broader systemic issues in how development projects engage with rural stakeholders. The outcome of the protests could affect the timeline of Noida’s planned infrastructure projects and set a precedent for future land‑acquisition negotiations in the state.