Union Minister and senior leader of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) defended the Land Acquisition Bill of Narendra Modi government by saying that no project can be implemented in the country if land is not available.
He said that amendments have been made to the Bill only to ensure that adequate compensation is given to farmers and land givers while categorically making it clear that private companies will not be given land for their projects.
“Opposition parties are indulging in cheap tactics and confusing the people. The new land acquisition bill was drafted only after receiving suggestions from States. Without land, how can any government take up big developmental projects and if we can’t acquire land from people will it fall from the sky,” he questioned at a press conference here on Sunday.
Stating that compensation will be four times the value of the land, Mr. Radhakrishnan clarified that the provisions in the bill can be implemented in a State only if that particular State government gives concurrence to acquiring land for projects.
The Union Minister claimed that the Modi government is working towards finding a lasting solution to the fishermen issue and the Prime Minister’s recent visit to Tamil areas in Sri Lanka was ample proof for that.
He questioned why the Congress leaders in Tamil Nadu are silent when Karnataka’s Congress government is acting against interest of our State in the Cauvery issue.
“They should approach Sonia Gandhi and try to protect Tamil Nadu’s interests rather than accusing the BJP or Modi government,” he added.
Mr. Radhakrishnan said that the Central government will stand by the people of Tamil Nadu in all issues be it methane, Cauvery or fishermen safety.
