West Bengal state legislative assembly passes private motion demanding withdrawal of land ordinance

By Madhuparna Das

KOLKATA: The West Bengal state legislative assembly today passed a private motion unanimously demanding withdrawal of the land ordinance. Barring the sole MLA of BJP, Shamik Bhattcharya, all other political parties including TMC, Congress, CPM and SUCI supported the motion. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee told the assembly that the resolution would be sent to the centre appealing the BJP government to withdraw the land ordinance.

“We have always been consistent on the land acquisition issue. During, 2011-13, when the UPA II tabled the land bill with 80:20 share on the consent issue, we raised objection. And Now, the land ordinance brought by the centre is more dangerous and draconian than earlier. We cannot support the ordinance for the sake of people. We would request the government to withdraw the ordinance. For three consecutive times,the ordinance could not be passed in Rajya Sabha. It clearly indicates that the ordinance is going against democracy.”

Adding that the West Bengal state legislative assembly is the first assembly in country to pass this resolution unanimously, she said, “We will request other states to move a motion on the issue and send it to the centre.” Requesting BJP MLA Shamik Bhattacharya to join other MLA s, she said, “You are a member of BJP. But you should support the motion for the interest of Bengal.”

Banerjee further explained the ‘aftereffect’ of the ordinance. “I can see the after effect of the ordinance. If it is implemented, there will be serious crisis of food grains in our country. We will witness all sorts of adverse effects of global warming too. And the farmers would never have a say on their land. If this is passed, then there would be a disaster in the country,” said Banerjee.