New Delhi: Opposition parties, including the Congress, on Tuesday stepped up attack against the NDA government over the ordinance to change the Land Acquisition Act by calling it “anti-farmer”, “unjust” and “deeply disturbing”.
The CPM slammed the move and termed it as an “authoritarian” step. But the ruling BJP and the government defended the ordinance, as Union minister Venkaiah Naidu said the government was left with no option and was compelled to do so due to the “obstructionist attitude” of the Congress.
The Congress asked other parties to come together and oppose the “anti-farmer” amendments. West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee said her party would fight the Ordinance.
Former Union minister Jairam Ramesh said the government’s decision as “deeply disturbing” and “the dilution” of Land Act will open the door for forcible acquisition, excess acquisition and diversion of land owned by farmers.
“The NDA is a government of ordinances, which is apparent now whom they represent. Amending the Land Acquisition Act is anti-farmer and the BJP is anti-farmer (sic),” Digvijay Singh tweeted.
