Trinamool, Left oppose land acquisition bill

The Trinamool Congress and the Communist Party of India-Marxists (CPI-M) Wednesday opposed the land acquisition bill saying it is against the country and won't benefit farmers.

Trinamool leader Derek O'Brien said the bill fails to provide a modern land acquisition mechanism to protect farmers' rights.

He said the bill should address concerns of food security and ensure balance between industry and agriculture.

"This bill is not good for farmers, not good for industry and not good for the country. We do not support the bill," said O'Brien.

CPI-M leader P. Rajeev called the bill a "political gimmick" and an "eyewash" ahead of the 2014 general elections.

"This bill is a paradigm shift from one extreme to another - from a colonial to neo-liberal legislation. It is no less than draconian if not more," said Rajeev.

He alleged that the government was cheating the people.