Land Acquisition Ordinance is 'draconian': Mamata Banerjee

Terming the Land Acquisition ordinance 'draconian', West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee urged the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre to withdraw it immediately.

The Chief Minister took to twitter to share her views with regards to the bill.

"Immediately withdraw land ordinance. It is draconian. It will affect the farmers. We have always opposed this," she posted.

"We do not support forceful land acquisition. I have gone on 26-day hunger strike in the past for this cause," she added.

Earlier in the day, social activist Anna Hazare, who began his protest at the Jantar Mantar against the amendments in the Land Acquisition bill, criticised the ruling BJP at the Centre over its promise of 'achhe din' during the Lok Sabha polls last year.

Hazare said there is a need to create awareness as very few farmers are aware of the bill.

"You (BJP) promised 'achhe din' before the elections, so we voted for you," he said.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also joined Hazare at his protest.

"The Land Acquisition ordinance is anti-farmers and anti-poor, we strongly condemn it. If this Land Acquisition ordinance is passed, this Government will act like a property dealer for big corporate honchos," Kejriwal said, while addressing fellow protestors at the Jantar Mantar.