Low turnout at protest against land acquisition ordinance, but Anna Hazare unfazed

NEW DELHI: Social activist Anna Hazare slammed the NDA government for its anti-farmer stance yesterday. The Gandhian, who began his two-day sit-in at Jantar Mantar, said the election of the new government may have brought achche din (good days) for few corporates, but the poor continue to suffer.

"The ordinance on land acquisition is as draconian as British laws. It removes the need for seeking consent from farmers before taking away their land in the name of development projects," said Hazare while addressing supporters. He added that while talks are on with the government seeking to amend the ordinance to include few pro-farmer steps, he would stop protests only if the earlier ordinance is withdrawn completely.

Unlike his previous protests, Monday's sit-in witnessed a very thin crowd. Except for Medha Patekar, no other activist was present. But Hazare seemed unfazed with the poor turnout. He sat quietly on the stage, standing up only to wave the national flag or address supporters.

"I am not here for the cameras but to seek relief for farmers. If the government doesn't act soon, we will take the agitation across the country and come back to Ramlila Maidan to launch a jail bharo aandolan," the 77-year-old said.

Monday's protest was a far-cry from the previous protests led by Hazare, but it gave a platform to many to place their demands in front of the media and people.

"In Greater Noida, the government took our land cheap and sold them to corporates at higher rates. That's why we are supporting Anna," said Hait Ram, a farmer. Few research students working with CSIR also participated in the protest to put forward their grievances.

Meanwhile, sources said members of an organization taking part in Hazare's stir met home minister Rajnath Singh and put forth their grievances. Singh assured that their concerns would be sympathetically considered.