No compromise on basic purpose of land Bill: Venkaiah Naidu

Making a veiled attack on Rahul Gandhi, Naidu said the Congress should show maturity and debate on issues of development

Though the Centre will consider the collective view of the Joint Parliament Committee on the Land Bill, it is not ready to compromise on the basic purpose of the Act, Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu said on Saturday.

“The new Bill is currently before the joint committee of Parliament. We want the bill to be passed. We are ready to have suggestions. The government will consider the collective wisdom of the committee, but we will not compromise on the basic purpose of the Land Acquisition Act,” Naidu told reporters on the sidelines of an event here.

The joint panel will have to submit its report on the first day of the Monsoon Session on the bill which has already been passed by the Lower House.

Making a veiled attack on Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi on his ‘suit-boot ki sarkar’ jibe, Naidu said they (the Congress) should show maturity and debate on larger issues of development.

“I have yet not understood the comments on PM’s suit boot. The first prime minister (Jawaharlal Nehru) used to wear suit, boot and hat. One should be very careful in making such comments and show maturity. They should debate on larger issues of development and not make irresponsible statements,” he said.

He said it is necessary to show the world that India is a mature democracy.

“We need to focus on brighter issues. Development should be the core issue for all including politicians. We are seeing what is happening around the globe. Everyone wants progress. We also need progress,” he said.

Naidu also said the media should be responsible and not politicise the statements made by politicians but focus on developmental issues.