BSP demands immediate introduction of Land Acquisition Bill in Parliament

BSP, whose government in UP is facing flak over the land procurement issue, today demanded urgent introduction of the Land Acquisition Bill in Parliament, saying further delay would be a setback for farmers.

"This decision to introduce the bill in the next session would be a setback for farmers all across the country. We want the bill to come in this session," BSP general secretary Satish Chandra Mishra said.

Asked about the party's future course of action, he said, "We will force the Government to come up with the bill in this session. UP has already formulated a bill in this regard and the Centre can copy that."

Mishra said his party had assured the government of its support to the bill but "they (UPA) are not bringing the bill in this session. Instead they have put it on the website seeking suggestions till August 31, which means that bill will not come up in this session."

Taking a dig at Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi on the issue, Mishra said, "Merely going among farmers and instigating them or talking about their welfare will not help".

"If the government is serious about the welfare of farmers, it will have to bring the Bill in this session only," he said.

Asked if issues related to land procurement in NOIDA and Greater NOIDA would be sorted out before the August 17 deadline given by the Allahabad high court, he said authorities and farmers were talking to each other and hoped that they will arrive at an agreement soon.