Nitish Kumar opposes land acquisition bill

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar Tuesday said that he and his party Janata Dal-United were opposed to the land acquisition amendment bill as it is against the interests of farmers.

"We are opposed to the bill and there is no question of supporting it," Nitish Kumar told the media here.

He said that his party along with other like-minded parties would not allow the bill to be passed in parliament without a proper discussion.

"The present land acquisition amendment bill is anti-farmer and anti-people," Kumar said.

He accused the Narendra Modi-led government of working against the interests of farmers to benefit industrialists.

He also questioned the objective of the National Democratic Alliance government in hurrying up with the bill.

"Without consulting farmers and wider discussion on the legislation in the House the bill has been brought," added Kumar.

He alleged that the aim seems to be to buy land from farmers at "aune paune" (throwaway) prices to benefit industrialists as part of the Centre's announcement to build big cities.

Making a scathing attack on the prime minister, Kumar said the former sought votes in the name of farmers during election time and was now ignoring their interests to benefit industrialists.