BJP, Congress Misleading Farmers: Anna Hazare
As the political climate is getting hot in India over the Land Acquisition Bill, social activist Anna Hazare – who is going to launch a massive agitation against the government – said Sunday that both BJP and Congress are not serious about the welfare of farmers.
Hazare was responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s radio program ‘Mann ki Baat’ in which Modi tried to woo farmers on Sunday by telling the features of Land Acquisition Bill.
Hazare said that Modi is misleading farmers and actually the proposed Bill will harm farmers’ interests in the country and only benefit capitalists who are close to Modi.
[ Kisaan Satyagraha Against BJP’s “Land Snatching Ordinance” ]
Similarly, Hazare opined that Congress President Sonia Gandhi is playing politics over the Bill and is not interested in the welfare of farmers.
During the past few days, Congress has been holding public demonstrations to oppose the BJP government’s Land Acquisition Bill.
Last week, Congress also wrote a protest letter to the ruling BJP. In the letter – addressed to Nitin Gadkari, BJP’s Transport Minister – Congress voiced its concerns over the proposed Bill, stating its stand on Gadkari’s invitation for a debate on the issue.
According to Congress, Gadkari had stated that Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi and the government are ready to consider all suggestions regarding the Bill.
[ Read: Land Bill Battle in India: Congress Writes to BJP ]
Hazare has planned a month-long Padyatra (foot march) to oppose the Bill. It will begin March 25 from Sevagram in Maharashtra.
He has termed the Modi move as “anti-farmer” and an attack on Indian democracy, as, according to Hazare, government is trying to impose its will on farmers to acquire their land without their consent.
Photo courtesy: Anna Hazare website