Not averse to talks with if farmer interest guaranteed: Anna Hazare

RALEGAN SIDDHI: Anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare, who has announced a month-long 'padyatra' (foot march) against the Land Acquisition Bill from March 30, today signalled that he is not averse to engaging with the Narendra Modi Government if that helps protect the farmer's interests.

The 77-year-old social activist, however, called upon political parties to unitedly oppose the "anti-farmer" Bill in its present form in the Rajya Sabha, where the ruling NDA is in a minority and will find it difficult to muster numbers to get it passed.

Asked if he was ready for a discussion on the Bill with the Government, Hazare said, "there is no hindrance in discussing the issue while considering interests of farmers and the country. We can discuss. The only stipulation is that no decision be taken against the interests of farmers."

"Those inside (Parliament), who are opposing the Bill, should do so unitedly," Hazare told reporters here. village Ralegan Siddhi in Maharashtra's Ahmednagar district.

"If there is united opposition by parties within Parliament and by people from outside (Parliament), a lot of work can be done," the veteran Gandhian said.

The Government will have to do a rethink on the Bill, which was passed by the Lok Sabha yesterday with nine official amendments, he maintained.

Hazare, who is launching the padyatra from Sevagram in Wardha district, had said no political leader would be allowed on the stage at Ramlila Ground in Delhi when the march would conclude a month later.