All India Congress Committee secretary and Rajya Sabha member V. Hanumantha Rao, on Sunday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government of a quid pro quo arrangement with industrialists. “The Land Acquisition Bill being brought in through an Ordinance is proof of this,” he said.
Mr. Hanumantha Rao addressed a press conference during his visit to Adilabad in connection with the proposed Rahul Gandhi Sandesh Yatra. He dwelt on the issue which, he said, was detrimental, especially, to the farming sector.
On the issue of the Land Acquisition Bill being brought in through an Ordinance, the RS member said the government should have taken note of the opposition to it by 14 political parties in the Rajya Sabha.
“What is the hurry in making it an Act?” .
The Congress leader was also critical of the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) for its silence on the issue. Talking about the Sandesh Yatra, Mr. Hanumantha Rao said the dates for Mr. Gandhi’s visit to Sarangapur, Dilawarpur or Laxmanchanda mandals would be finalised soon.
He said the AICC vice-president had expressed the desire to walk 7-8 km while interacting with farmers during the yatra.
Ex gratia
Exhorting Congress leaders to contribute money for helping farmers in distress, the MP announced Rs. 1 lakh from personal funds towards ex gratia to farmers who had committed suicide.
Former Minister C. Ramchander Reddy and DCC working president Naresh Jadhav were also present at the press conference.