Land right activists, politicians joins hands in protest against the Land Bill

NEW DELHI: A convention in Delhi on Thursday witnessed a large number of farmers' leaders, social and lands rights activists and leaders of various opposition political parties joining hands to intensify the "Parliament to streets" united agitation against the NDA government's land acquisition Bill. The group decided to step up its agitation in the run-up to the second phase of the budget session where the government will try to push the Bill through Rajya Sabha, where it is in minority.

The speakers at the convention launched an all-round attack on the proposed amendments to the 2013 land acquisition Bill, terming it "anti-farmers, anti-poor". The convention coincided with the Union Government re-promulgating the land acquisition ordinance.

At the meeting it was decided that united protests will be launched in all the states and a campaign undertaken against the ordinance with the target of collecting five crore signatures. Besides, a massive Bhoomi Adhikar Sangharsh Rally will be held in Delhi on May 5.

The group decided to mount a massive opposition against the Bill as well as to move towards the long-term objective of achieving land rights for all. Among those who attended the convention were Congress' Jairam Ramesh, Left leaders Sitaram Yechury, Amarjit Kaur, Abani Roy, JD(U)'s KC Tyagi, JD(S)' Danish Ali and acivists including Medha Patkar, Rajagopal, Kavita Krishnan and Sunil Ram.