Oppn leaders stalling consensus on Land Act, says Gadkari

While hitting out at Opposition leaders for creating hurdles to change Land Act, union rural development minister Nitin Gadkari on Monday alleged that leaders of other parties are stalling the government’s efforts to build consensus on bringing changes in the key farmer-friendly Act passed during the UPA rule.

The rural development ministry on Monday sought ‘consensus’ to bring changes in the Land Acquisition Act to make it more investor-friendly but said it was not happening due to the ‘contradictory views’ within political parties which are wanting changes in the legislation.

‘The issue is the microscopic minority leaders sitting in Delhi. Their practical chief ministers are saying something. They are giving in writing (the need for bringing changes in the Act). These people (microscopic minority leaders) are saying something else. I am confused,’ Gadkari said reacting to questions on the status of the government’s efforts to bring changes in the Land Acquisition Act.

Replying to the Opposition’s allegations that the government was bringing changes in the Act to please the industry, he also made it clear that the priority of the NDA was welfare of poor and there was ‘no question of reducing compensation package for farmers whose land is acquired for projects’.