Modi government made pro-corproate changes in land bill: Congress

NEW DELHI: Congress today accused the Centre of making pro-corporate amendments to the 2013 Land Acquisition Act introduced by party-led UPA regime.

In a meeting held to discuss preparations for its September 20 'Kisan Samman Rally' to celebrate "victory of farmers" in battle against the Centre's land acquisition Ordinance, the leaders also hailed party president Sonia Gandhi and her vice president-son Rahul for forcefully fighting against the Centre's decision.

" UPA Government had passed the 2013 act, which was in the interest of farmers. But Modi Government tried to make amendments in the act as it was keen to help some big industrialists benefit at the cost of farmers.

"But Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi forcefully fought to protect interest of farmers inside and outside Parliament which finally ended in the victory of the farmers," Delhi Congress chief Ajay Maken told the gathering here.

Former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda said the UPA Government had framed the act in the wake of Rahul Gandhi's pro-farmers agitation in Bhatta Parsol, which he said, had caught attention of the nation.

He said Congress' April 19 'Kisan Rally' had put "tremendous pressure" on the government, and as a result, the Centre was forced to take a pro-farmer stand.

The meeting, attended by former MLAs and party councilors, was also addressed by AICC in-charge of Delhi PC Chacko and ex-MP Sajjan Kumar.