For the first time in months, Opposition parties in Tamil Nadu have come on the same page on the issue of the Land Acquisition Bill, pending in the Rajya Sabha, raising hopes of better coordination among them.
Going by the stand taken by most of these parties, the AIADMK is seen as the only party backing the BJP-led Centre on the new law.
DMK president M. Karunanidhi and AIADMK general secretary Jayalalithaa have exchanged fiery statements, explaining their own position on the Bill. Ms. Jayalalithaa rejected the accusations mounted by Mr. Karunanidhi that the AIADMK’s support was for a “quid pro quo” and said there was no reason why a Bill that provided more powers to the States should be opposed.
However, the entire opposition seems to be sharing the DMK’s view. Leading the charge was former Union Shipping Minister and Tamil Maanila Congress leader G.K. Vasan, who a few days ago, made clear his unhappiness over the AIADMK backing the Bill. “The ruling party should be the guardian of the rights of farmers. If they do not do it in a democracy, people will keep it in mind and give a fitting reply when time comes,” he said, reiterating his opposition to the “anti-farmer” Bill.
The Left and the Congress have also upped the ante, announcing their own agitations against the Bill.
A senior DMK leader said the party was hopeful that the Bill might lead to more camaraderie among the opposition. “All parties have individually announced their opposition to the Bill. We hope something more concrete would come out of this,” the leader said.
Mr. Vasan, though was non-committal on a united protest during his press conference last week. “I have explained the TMC’s position on the issue. I have nothing more to say,” he asserted.
