Anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare will launch a two-day agitation against the land acquisition ordinance here on February 23, supported by almost all non-NDA parties, including the Congress. He will sit on a two-day dharna at Jantar Mantar here, demanding the withdrawal of the ordinance.
Terming the ordinance a fraud upon the people, Hazare said in a statement that the Modi government’s legislation will take away the rights of farmers.
“It’s time for mass agitation. A number of groups have been agitating for more than a month against the ordinance. Some of them had contacted me. I understand their demands and have decided to join the agitation,” Hazare added.
The organisers of the sit-in said about 29 non-political farmer organisations from 10 States will participate in the dharna on February 23. On February 24, farmers organisations affiliated with political parties and the National Alliance of People’s Movements will also hold a dharna.
“We had discussions with all political parties, farmer organisations and social leaders like Hazare on the issue. Hazare agreed to lead the agitations.
“Most of the political parties have offered outside support to his protests,” said SP Singh of the Bhumi Adhigrahan Adhyadesh Pratirodh Andolan.
He added that their intention is to block the Centre from holding a joint session of Parliament to pass the ordinance. “We need the support of all political parties for this,” he added.
The Left parties welcomed Hazare’s participation in the protests. “The Leftists farmers organisations, along with the NAPM and many other organisations, had called for protests on February 24. The broadest possible unity is needed against such anti-farmer steps by the Modi government.
“We welcome Hazare’s participation. In future too, we will cooperate with such organisations to protest the interests of farmers,” said Vijoo Krishnan, a leader of the CPI(M)-led All India Kisan Sabha.
The AAP, Congress and JD(U) have also welcomed Hazare’s participation in the programme.