Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)

Mangaluru, May 14: As part of a nationwide protest against the controversial Land Acquisition Bill, CPI on Thursday May 14 held a protest in the city and gheraoed the DC's office. They were later detained by the police.

Addressing the protest, V Kukian, secretary of CPI DK and Udupi units said, "BJP-led union government has brought this ordinance to take away the land from farmers and give it to the corporates. This will pose threat to the nation's food security in future."

"Previously, consent of 80% of land owners was required to acquire their land. But in the new ordinance, this clause has been removed. The central government has decided to create corridors and for this 35 percent of the land needs to be acquired. This would create social disparity," he further said.

Attacking the union government over the issue of black money, he said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi had promised to get back the black money within 100 days of forming the government, but he has not done that. They can ban Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes but they are not doing that either. It looks like they are not interested in getting back the black money."

Commenting on the Congress-led state government, Kukian said, "Chief minister Siddaramaiah has three more years and I request him to address the issues of the people. He has increased the salary of the MLAs, but the state government is not ready to give beedi workers their pension. I urge the CM to work for the poor."

Speaking at the occasion B K Krishnappa, former corporator from CPI said, "Modi-led NDA government is set to pass the anti-farmer land ordinance, without realizing its consequences. Previously there was British acquisition bill but the UPA government government amended that bill to create some opportunities for farmers. According to the 2013 bill, a private company has to take the consent of 80% of owners to acquire a piece of land. If the land acquired under PPP, then 70% land owners' consent is required. Another important point was that in special cases, a committee would be formed and the after-effects of industries will be studied and report would be submitted.There were many good points in the the 2013 bill but all those points have been removed in the Modi government's new bill.

"The union government is ready to give anything that Adani and Ambanis ask for, as they had spent on the 450 rallies that Modi had addressed prior to the Lok Sabha elections. If the corporates acquire the land of poor farmers what will be the fate of those farmers? What will they do? The rich can go and settle in America but what about the poor people?" he said.

"Modi had promised to get back the black money but that has not been done. Now they (union government) say it is not possible - did he not know that before promising? If he cannot do it then let him relinquish the post of Prime Minister and let others take this country ahead. They make anti-Muslim remarks and in Kashmir join hands with PDP. They are just after power and to help the corporates," he lashed out.

H V Rao, CPI district secretary, M Karunakar, Sudhakar K, Thimappa, CPI members and others were present at the protest.