The ruling BJP described the one-day bandh called by the Opposition to oppose the amendments done in the land Acquisition Act, 2013 as a flop show.
The Opposition camp, however, termed it successful having long lasting implications.
Addressing a press conference in the evening on Thursday, BJP Rajya Sabha member Samir Oraon said that the Opposition lost whatever support it had of the people. “The bandh call remained super flop as it could not garner any support from the people. The Opposition during the protest also tried to incite violence at several places. Chakradharpur MlA Shashi Bhushan Samad beat up a teacher while a lawyer in Ranchi had to meet with the same fate. Children were used in Dumka to block roads. Even former CM Babulal Marandi and Hemant Soren were seen with handful of supporters during their protest,” said the MP.
Party general secretary Deepak Prakash said that the way the parties like JMM, Congress, JVM and others were preparing for the bandh for over a fortnight the response it received was miniscule.
“They were going all over seeking support for the bandh for last 15 days but could not get the desired result despite all their attempts. Only 15,000 people were arrested during the bandh called by 32 organisations which proves this. People of the State have given their opinion about the land Bill,” said the leader.
However, JMM leader Hemant Soren said that the bandh call had achieved its objective. “We know how to secure the rights of the tribal and poor people of the State,” said the leader of Opposition before detained by the police.
Congress leader Subodh Kant Sahay, who along with PCC chief Ajoy Kumar, MlAs Sukhdeo Bhagat and Alamgir Alam, participated in the march during the bandh at Main Road, said the amendments made were for the benefit of corporates.
Ajoy Kumar charged the Government for trying hard to suppress the bandh call.
“UPA had brought the land Acquisition Act with social impact assessment clause so that wellbeing of the people displaced is protected. This Government through the Bill has removed the clause which would pave way for open loot of land by capitalists and industrialists like they did for Adani at Godda,” said the former Union Minister.
JVM chief Babulal Marandi suggested the Government to take back the amendments done like it did with CNT-SPT Acts and the domicile policy before. “Provisions are against the interest of the State and its people.
The Government looking at the public anger replicated today should recall the amendments made. Instead of using its energy to suppress peoples’ voices the Government should do something for the poor, tribal,” said the former Chief Minister.