Rahul Gandhi criticizes Modi govt over Ken-Betwa protest crackdown
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused the Modi government of fearing truth and non-violence after police dispersed tribal protests against the Ken-Betwa river linking project in Madhya Pradesh. The protest, a peaceful satyagraha and hunger strike, sought fair compensation and dignified rehabilitation for land taken for the project. The incident highlights ongoing tensions over displacement and rehabilitation in large infrastructure projects.
Background
The Ken-Betwa Link Project is India's first river-linking project under the National Perspective Plan. It aims to irrigate 1.062 million hectares, provide drinking water to 6.2 million people, and generate hydropower in the drought-prone Bundelkhand region spanning Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. The project has faced opposition from tribal communities over land acquisition and inadequate compensation.
Key facts
Rahul Gandhi criticized the Modi government for fearing truth and non-violent resistance.
Tribal communities protested the Ken-Betwa river linking project in Madhya Pradesh.
The protest was a peaceful satyagraha and hunger strike lasting 15 days.
Police cleared the protest site on July 19, 2026.
Protesters sought fair compensation and dignified rehabilitation for their land.
The Congress party pledged to ensure justice for affected tribal people.
The Ken-Betwa Link Project is India's first river-linking project under the National Perspective Plan.
The project costs Rs 44,605 crore and aims to irrigate 1.062 million hectares, provide drinking water to 6.2 million people, and generate hydropower.
The project is located in the drought-prone Bundelkhand region spanning Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
Prelims pointers
- Ken-Betwa Link Project: India's first river-linking project under the National Perspective Plan.
- National Perspective Plan: A plan for interlinking of rivers in India.
- Bundelkhand: A drought-prone region spanning Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
- Project cost: Rs 44,605 crore.
- Irrigation potential: 1.062 million hectares.
- Drinking water supply: 6.2 million people.
- Hydropower generation: Included in project objectives.
- Satyagraha: A form of non-violent resistance associated with Mahatma Gandhi.
Mains angles
- GS2 Polity: Role of opposition in holding government accountable; rights of tribal communities.
- GS3 Economy: Infrastructure projects and displacement; cost-benefit analysis of river linking.
- GS3 Environment: Environmental impact of river linking; displacement and rehabilitation issues.
- GS1 Society: Tribal rights and social justice; land acquisition and livelihood issues.