BJP to protest against Uttar Pradesh scrapping land restoration to farmers

BJP farmers' wing Thursday announced to launch a state-wide agitation to protest against Uttar Pradesh government's move to abolish provision of land restoration to farmers.

"During protest we will burn copies of the amendment bill introduced by the government in the Legislative Assembly starting from today," national president of BJP Kisan Morcha, Om Prakash Dhangar told reporters in Lucknow.

He said a mahapanchayat of one lakh farmers would be organised at Bulandshahar on this issue on October 9.

"Earlier there was a provision if a land acquired by the government is not utilised for the purpose for five years, it would be restored to its actual owner, which had been abolished by the state," he said.

Dhangar said as per the fresh amendment even if the land remains unutilised, it would not be returned to the farmers.

"The move has been made at a crucial time when the Centre has come up with the draft of Land Acquisition Act and is being discussed," he said.

The morcha president alleged it was pro-corporate move and Mayawati showed the path to other states as well.

He said besides state level leader mahapanchayat would be attended by national president Nitin Gadkari.

He said the BJP already submitted a memorandum with the President on the issue of land acquisition.

Dhangar said in the draft act clarity on quantity of land, at what rate and purpose it should be acquired was lacking.

The Uttar Pradesh Assembly on August 11 passed a bill to scrap a provision that allows people to seek restoration of their acquired land if it remains unused for more than five years.