Food Security Bill, a 'half-hearted' attempt by UPA govt: BJP

The party said that the shortcomings of the bill would be rectified if they came to power

After the Rajya Sabha gave its nod to the Food Security Bill, BJP attacked the government saying it has made a "half-hearted" attempt and the shortcomings will be rectified if it comes to power.

"It is a half-hearted move by the government...They had made the promise in 2009 and it took them four and a half years to fulfil it. This is a clear example of their intention. Elections are around that is why they have brought this Bill at this time," said BJP leader Venkaiah Naidu.

He said his party supported the Bill and brought some amendments to remove the shortcomings in it, but the government did not allow any of them to be passed.

"We supported the Bill and gave certain amendments to bring improvements in it as it suffered from some lacunas. But the government did not accept our amendments. When we will win election and come to power, we will try to make improvements in the Bill," he said.

Naidu said, "Whatever shortcomings are there in the Bill, we will try to rectify. Our party will come to power in 2014."

Food Minister K V Thomas said if there are any shortcomings, they will be rectified at a later stage. "Nothing is perfect," he said, adding that the legislation will be implemented with the support of states.

Congress general secretary Janardan Dwivedi said, "This is one of the most necessary legislations which has been passed. By passing the Bill, Parliament has fulfilled one of its biggest duties.