RSS-affiliate upset over Land Ordinance

NEW DELHI: RSS-affiliate Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM) is unhappy with the government over its Land Acquisition Ordinance and some economic policies and has decided to stage a protest outside Parliament on May 5.

A meeting of the SJM's Executive saw members expressing "anguish" and "unhappiness" over government going ahead with economic policies and some of the measures without keeping in mind the interests of farmers and other affected classes, including landless labourers, sources said.

"Swadeshi Jagran Manch is neither opposing government not supporting it. We are not opposing land acquisition per se, but the Land Acquisition Ordinance encroaches upon the interests of farmers," Manch's national co-convener Ashwani Mahajan told PTI.

He said the SJM is asking for suitable changes in the Land Ordinance whereby there is a balance between the industry, affordable housing for poor, job opportunities for the landless labourers, farming and food security.

If land acquisition is done for industrial benefits, farmers' rights also need to be taken care of. "But changes have to be made in such a way that it does not infringe upon the interests of farmers," he said.

"The Manch has decided to hold a 'Swadeshi Jan Sansad' outside Parliament on May 5 on the issues of GM Food Crops, Land Acquisition Bill and other economic policies of the government," Mahajan said.

The move comes at a time when opposition parties have got united against against the Land Bill. The government and BJP are planning a major counter campaign.