Anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare is embarking on a three-month padayatra from the Gandhi Ashram in Wardha in protest against the amendments to the Land Acquisition Act. The march aims to educate farmers against the allegedly anti-farmer policies of the Modi government.
In a press statement issued from his village of Ralegan Siddhi in Ahmednagar district, Mr. Hazare said a “Jail Bharo Andolan” would be staged in Delhi. “I call upon all young people to join me in this foot march,” Mr. Hazare said.
He said that after his two-day protest with disgruntled farmers opposing the amendments at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on February 23, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was forced to state that the government would review provisions in the Act which were perceived to be detrimental to farmers’ interest. He said the draft bill prepared by the Modi government to replace the ordinance was “no better” and catered to industrial lobby interests.
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“The new draft Bill that the PM introduced after our protests is no different from the previous one and is a feint designed to confuse us,” Mr. Hazare said.