Farmer numbers swell in BJP ranks, party upbeat on prospects

Despite being cornered by the Opposition over the contentious Land Acquisition Bill, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) seems to have won the hearts of thousands of farmers, who associated themselves with the party in huge numbers, as per the statistic of party’s membership cell.

It was learnt that 70 <g data-gr-id="33">per cent</g> of a new farmers’ community got themselves associated with the BJP 

under the Gramin Mandal membership drive. Leaders feel that it is going to be a boon for the party, especially in UP, ahead of the polls in 2017.

In UP, agriculture is the main source of income and nearly 76 <g data-gr-id="29">per cent</g> of the population is directly and indirectly associated with it. Their vote swing will be an important factor behind the victory or failure of any political party. Going by the statistics, BJP seems to be in a comfortable position to give a tough fight to the ruling Samajwadi Party (SP).

In BJP-ruled states such as Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, the response was beyond expectation and in southern parts, there is an increase in farmers’ membership by two per cent. The party will soon release a comprehensive list of willing farmers and <g data-gr-id="30">total</g> land they offered for the development of the country.

On December 29, 2014, the government had recommended promulgation of an ordinance, making significant changes in the Land Acquisition Act, including removal of consent clause for acquiring land for five areas of industrial corridors, PPP projects, rural infrastructure, affordable housing and defence.

The Land Acquisition Act, 2013 stipulates mandatory consent of at least 70 <g data-gr-id="26">per cent</g> of the land owners for acquiring land for Public Private Partnership (PPP) projects and 80 per cent for acquiring land for private companies.

On the first day of the Budget session, Parliamentary Affairs Minister, M Venkaiah Naidu asked parties not to politicize the issue and sought suggestions from the oppositions. On November 1, 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s membership was renewed through mobile text message - a usual party line, which is mandatory after every six years for all BJP “active members”.

Presently, BJP is the largest political party in the world with more than 10 crore members, surpassing the Communist Party of China’s 8.3 crore members.