Anna Hazare set to launch agitation against land ordinance

NEW DELHI: Ahead of his protest against the land ordinance here, social activist Anna Hazare today hinted at a bigger agitation at the Ramlila ground if the Narendra Modi government does not heed to his demands on the issue.

Immediately after his arrival here, Hazare said the two-day protest will be followed by a three to four month long 'padyatra' across the country to make people aware of the "anti-farmer" provisions made by the Centre in the ordinance.

"If the government doesn't take the ordinance back, then the people will also continue with their agitation. The activists will make aware the farmers (of the amendments). There is a chance that farmers from across the country will gather at the Ramlila Maidan in the next three-four months," he said.

77-year-old Hazare has been highly critical of the Modi government for making certain changes in the Land Acquisition Act through an ordinance.

On December 29 last year, the government had recommended promulgation of an ordinance making significant changes in the Land Acquisition Act including removal of consent clause for acquiring land for five areas of industrial corridors, PPP projects, rural infrastructure, affordable housing and defence.