India, May 6 -- Maharashtra revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Monday reiterated the state government's commitment to the proposed Purandar international airport project, appealing to farmers opposing land acquisition to withdraw their protest.

He assured them that the government would offer them "best possible deal" in return for their land.

Earlier in the day, the revenue minister met with Jitendra Dudi, the district collector, and other officials to discuss further action on land acquisition for the proposed airport at Purandar.

"The state government has already decided on the project. We will ensure that farmers are adequately compensated and benefit from the development," he said.

Tensions in the region have escalated r...