'People have a right to meet President, but public mandate must be respected': Naidu

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu on Tuesday said that India is a democracy and therefore people have the right to meet the President over important matters and added that the mandate of the people must also be respected in doing so.

"This is a democracy, they have a right to meet the President and convey their opinion. But they must respect the mandate of the people. This government is bringing legislations for further development of nation," said Naidu.

Earlier in the day, the opposition started its march from the Parliament to the President's House to protest against the Land Acquisition Bill.

Prominent leaders, including Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Ambika Soni, Rajeev Shukla, Kamal Nath and Ahmed Patel participated in the march.

Congress President Sonia Gandhi said the opposition parties had got together to appeal to President Pranab Mukherjee to intervene in the matter to protect the interest of farmers.

Delhi Police Commissioner B.S Bassi had earlier today said that the protest march has not been prohibited, adding that only demonstrations have been prohibited.

Bassi's statement came after reports stated that the Congress had been denied permission to carry out its march.

Along with the Congress, leaders of the Janata Dal (United), Trinamool Congress, Samajwadi Party, CPI (M), DMK, INLD as well as other parties also participated in the protest.