New Delhi: In the first salvo against the government in Parliament on the land acquisition ordinance, Congress on Monday gave a notice for suspension of Question Hour in Rajya Sabha on Tuesday to discuss the contentious measure, calling it "anti-farmer".
Deputy Leader of Congress in the Upper House Anand Sharma, who gave the notice under Rule 267 seeking suspension of the Question Hour and a discussion on the ordinance, said that the party cannot remain silent on this matter and is "bound to oppose" the measure.
Sources in the party said that Congress has discussed the issue with the Left, Trinamool Congress, Samajwadi Party and Janata Dal (U) to launch a "coordinated attack" on the government on the issue.
"It is a retrogade measure and destroys the national consensus on the issue. The government's intentions are questionable in this matter. It is against the interest of farmers and removes the safeguards against unncessary acquisition especially of multi-crop land, determination of public purpose and food security issues," Sharma said.
He rued that the government is embarking on an ordinance route and undermining the national consensus on land issue at a time when the country is in an agrarian distress.
At the AICC briefing, Congress spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said Congress will oppose the land ordinance in clear terms, though he appeared indicating that the party may not adopt a similar tough stance against the ordinance on insurance.
"We are ready to offer constructive support but our support and cooperation should not be taken for granted. There are issues, which are very dear to us."
"We will rise to oppose with full vigour if there is slightest assault on those ideas, which Congress has nurtured and cherished. One such idea is land ordinance issue," the Congress spokesperson said.
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