Mamata Banerjee holds protest rally against land bill, accuses Modi government of intimidation

West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee led a street protest against the land bill on Wednesday. The rally began from Mouali to Gandhi statue area in Kolkata to protest the controversial Land Acquisition Bill. 

Addressing the rally, Banerjee said,"If anybody raises voice against it (Modi govt), his voice is gagged. He is intimidated with either CBI or ED or NIA."

Kolkata: WB CM Mamata Banerjee addressing TMC protest rally against land ordinance pic.twitter.com/jGKDT6MmSp

— ANI (@ANI_news) April 8, 2015

Kolkata: WB CM Mamata Banerjee participates in TMC protest against land ordinance in Kolkata pic.twitter.com/r1NhmOesY9

— ANI (@ANI_news) April 8, 2015

Hitting out at the Trinamool Congress' (TMC) plan to lead a protest rally against the Land Acquistion Bill in Kolkata, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday said the parties that have exploited farmers are now trying to become the champions of their rights.

"All the parties that have compelled farmers to remain in poverty and exploited them are now trying to become champions of farmers' cause," said BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi.

United in opposing the Land Bill, the Congress party will also stage a massive rally for farmers on April 19 at the Ramlila Maidan in the national capital. Farmers from across the country will participate in the rally where party president Sonia Gandhi and other leaders will address them.

The lower house of the Parliament last month passed the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (Amendment) Bill, 2015, with nine amendments. However, it could not be passed in the Rajya Sabha where Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is in minority.
 

With inputs from ANI and PTI.