Opposition raises concern over Land Acquisition Ordinance

The opposition parties raised concern over the Land Acquisition Ordinance at an all-party meet here Sunday ahead of the budget session of parliament, Parliamentary Affairs Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu said.

However, the parties assured the government of their support in smooth running of the house, the minister added.

Briefing reporters after the all-party meeting here, Naidu said: "The meeting was very successful. It ended on a positive note.

"All parties said the house should be allowed to run. The general view was that parliament should function smoothly. The focus should be on financial matters since this is the budget session," he said.

He said ordinances and all government business were discussed during the meeting.

"There is a broad consensus on four-five ordinance out of the six, but the opposition parties have raised objections on the Land Acquisition Ordinance. They wanted a detailed discussion on it. I have told them that the concerned minister has held widespread discussions with states and other stakeholders and we are ready to discuss any issue (related to the matter)," Naidu said.

The parties also wanted to discuss issues related to the Tamil fishermen, attacks on churches, ceasefire violations at the border by Pakistan and US President Barack Obama's visit to India.

Congress MP Gulam Nabi Azad told media persons that the Congress will support the government on all bills and ordinances which benefit the common man but not those which are "anti-people".

The budget session, slated to begin Monday, will end May 8.