Shiv Sena refuses to accept land acquisition bill

Party president Uddhav Thackeray told members of parliament representing Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha to fight for the rights of farmers.

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According to member of parliament Arvind Sawant, “In principle, we are not against the development. But we have made it clear that it cannot be at the cost of the farmers.” Sena has already taken to streets opposing the land act. If the BJP wants our support it will have to make drastic changes in the bill. The most critical aspect which has upset us relates to skipping the 70 per cent consent from the farmers in the bill.

The central leadership of the BJP has been consistently trying to impress upon the Sena to give its support to the act which is not going to be anti-farmer. However, in response Sena has said, “ If any land is acquired 70 per cent consent should be mandatory.”

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is likely to hold discussions with Shiv Sena leaders taking up the centre’s cause in the coming days. Union minister for surface transport and shipping Nitin Gadkari had last month visited Matoshree to explain the land acquisition bill.

According to Sena political managers close to Thackeray, “At the outset Thackeray has an open mind. His only concern is that no land should be taken without farmers’ consent. And that land acquired should be adequately compensated.”

Shiv Sena and BJP which have entered into alliance for the local bodies civic polls in Aurangabad and Navi Mumbai are willing to discuss matters related to policies in centre and state.

Insiders in the BJP maintained, “Apart from land act, nuclear power plant at Jaitapur is another issue where the alliance is at loggerheads.” However, Fadnavis is confident that some apprehensions raised by Sena related to Jaitapur would be considered and resolved after discussions.

Fadnavis said, “The UPA government had already sanctioned the nuclear power plant at Jaitapur. Since the project is already underway and involves treaty with a foreign country and company, it cannot be abruptly scrapped. It would have serious ramifications.”

“There is no question of backtracking on Jaitapur project. It is here to stay,” he added.

However, matters related to rehabilitation of project affected people and other issues which are worrying local leaders of any political organisation can be discussed and addressed by the state government.