NDA four times ahead of Congress in helping capitalists: BSP chief Maywati

LUCKNOW: BSP chief Mayawati today alleged that the NDA government's Land Acquisition Bill was not in the interest of farmers and her party will oppose it in Rajya Sabha, as the chorus of demand for withdrawing the new Bill grew louder.

On March 10, the government had managed to win Lok Sabha approval for the amended land acquisition Bill. But it is pending in the upper house.

The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister accused the Narenda Modi government of practising "crony capitalism" rather than working in the interest of the poor.

Days before Parliament meets after recess, Mayawati made it clear that her party with 10 members in Rajya Sabha will oppose the Land Bill.

"The bill is not in the interest of the farmers. The Centre should withdraw it and implement the Act passed in 2013," she told a press conference here.

Mayawati also accused the Centre of practising crony capitalism rather than working in the interest of the poor.

"The Union Budget is pro-capitalist," she claimed. "The Narendra Modi government during its 10-month regime did not take any serious initiative to fulfil poll promises but is instead practising crony capitalism.

"They are four times ahead in helping capitalists as compared to Congress," she alleged.

The former chief minister said her party MPs not joining the march by opposition leaders to the President on the issue of the Land Bill should not be construed as she was in favour of the proposed legislation.

Mayawati also slammed the Centre for "not taking any initiative" on issues like division of Uttar Pradesh and constitution of separate High Court bench in West UP.

The BSP chief also alleged that the BJP-led government at the Centre has failed to rein in Hindu outfits, whose "growing activities" have made Muslims and Christians feel insecure.

Welcoming Bharat Ratna to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Madan Mohan Malviya, Mayawati said the same should be bestowed on BSP founder Kanshiram for his contributions to social change.