Even as some Opposition parties slammed the UPA government for taking to the ordinance route to rush through the National Food Security Bill, Samajwadi Party president Mulayam Singh Yadav on Thursday met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and sought changes in proposed legislation.
The party termed the Food Bill “anti-farmer” and opposed the promulgation of an ordinance for its implementation but gave no indication that it might withdraw its outside support to the UPA on the issue. Mr. Yadav also expressed his concern over the proposed deferment of the monsoon session.Informed party sources said Mr. Yadav indicated to the government that his party would support the proposed food law only if the UPA incorporated certain changes in the Bill. Mr. Yadav was in the Prime Minister’s residence for almost half-an-hour.
The sources said Mr. Yadav sought assurances from the Prime Minister on the government enhancing grains procurement from Uttar Pradesh farmers at the minimum support price as against buying from private traders or importing grains to meet the legal requirements under the proposed Bill.
The National Food Security Ordinance, 2013, notified last week, has to be ratified by Parliament within six weeks of the convening of the monsoon session.
