Land Bill: Hazare challenges Modi to open debate

Mumbai, March 27

A week after the government invited him for an open debate on the contentious amendments to the land acquisition bill, anti-graft crusader Anna Hazare said he was ready for a debate on Friday, the same day as Congress president Sonia Gandhi rejected the proposition.

In a reply to a letter written by Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari calling for such a debate, the activist, who has been rallying support against the bill and recently announced a 'jail bharo andolan' across the country, wrote: “You have called for an open debate. We accept this. But there is very little possibility of a concrete decision by having a debate with you. There is a possibility of some decision if Modi participates in the debate and there is a discussion with four-five of us in the (anti-land bill) movement. We expect that Modi will inform us the day, venue and time for the open debate. There is not a single thing in the bill which is in the interests of farmers," Hazare said.

Hazare expressed apprehension over the promise of a job to a member of the family of the farmer whose land has been acquired.

"What is the guarantee? Such assurances have been made in the past also," Hazare said.

"We will give priority to the battle against corruption. Lokpal Lokayukta legislation is in place but not being implemented," Hazare said. — PTI