Patna, October 7, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait on Wednesday opposed the proposed acquisition of farmers’ land for satellite city projects in Bihar, demanding compensation based on prevailing land values rather than outdated rates.
Addressing a press conference at the residence of MP Sudhakar Singh in Patna, Tikait said farmers were not against development projects such as new cities and hospitals but should receive fair compensation before their land is acquired.
Tikait alleged that preparations were underway to acquire land using outdated circle rates and said farmers would not accept compensation calculated on 2013 rates.
He argued that land values should reflect the rise in prices of commodities and other assets over the past decade. Comparing land valuation with the rising price of gold and other goods, Tikait questioned why farmers’ land should continue to be valued at rates applicable in 2013.
He said that if the government continued to use 2013 rates for land acquisition, the valuation of other commodities should also be considered at their 2013 levels.
Tikait also alleged that new land-acquisition formulas were being introduced in the name of development, with farmers bearing the impact when their land was acquired for major infrastructure and urban-development projects.
He demanded that the Bihar government first revise the applicable circle rates and establish a mechanism to ensure adequate compensation.
Tikait said the campaign over farmers’ land rights and compensation would continue. He announced plans for farmers’ gatherings in Nawada and Khagaria and appealed to farmers, youth and members of the public to unite over issues related to land and farmers’ rights.
Invoking Bihar’s history of farmers’ movements, Tikait referred to Mahatma Gandhi’s Champaran movement and said the issue of farmers’ rights continued to require attention. The BKU’s October programme includes a farmers’ gathering in Khagaria on October 8.
Tikait also criticised the BJP, alleging that its Chief Ministers function under the direction of the party’s central leadership, though he did not name any individual leader.
He also voiced support for the Opposition’s ongoing agitation over allegations of “vote theft” in Delhi and called for political parties and other groups to come together on the issue.
Tikait reiterated that the farmers’ campaign against land acquisition at inadequate rates would continue and urged the Bihar government to ensure fair compensation before acquiring land for satellite city projects.
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