Anna Hazare asks parties to unite in Rajya Sabha against Land Bill

MUMBAI: Anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare, who has announced a 'padyatra' against the Land Acquisition Bill, today appeared ready for talks with the government, but also asked parties to unitedly oppose the bill in Rajya Sabha.

"Those inside (the House), who are opposing the bill, should do so unitedly," Hazare told reporters at his native village Ralegan Siddhi in Maharashtra's Ahmednagar district.

"If there is united opposition by parties within Parliament and by people from outside (Parliament), a lot of work can be done," he said.

The government will have to rethink on the bill, he said. Asked if he was ready to participate in a discussion on the bill with the government, Hazare said, "There is no hindrance in discussing the issue while considering interests of farmers and the country."

"We can discuss. The only stipulation is that no decision be taken against the interests of farmers," he said.

Hazare, who is launching his padyatra from Sevagram in Wardha later this month, has said no political leader would be allowed on the stage at Ramlila ground in Delhi where the march would conclude a month later.