launching a verbal attack on the Modi Government, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, while addressing a rally at Jantar Mantar on Wednesday, said the PM is running a Government for the “super rich.” Also, Kejriwal snubbed the Centre for hurting farmers’ sentiments with land Acquisition Ordinance thereby threatening to widen the stir if Central Government goes ahead with the contentious bill.
Slamming the Centre for “betraying” the faith that farmers had bestowed upon BJP in terms of votes leading to their landslide victory in 2014 lok Sabha elections, the Delhi Chief Minister said, “The farmers had reposed trust in Narendra Modi and voted him to power. Now they have lost their trust (in the Government) within a year. They are coming out in thousands protesting against the land Bill.” He sought to know what was the need behind bringing the Ordinance which is an emergency power.
“The whole country wants to know why was it broughtIJ If there was no such thing, then what was the hurryIJ” the Chief Minister asked. Kejriwal said he will at least ensure that no land is acquired in Delhi without the consent of farmers. He said his Government has provided Rs 50,000 per hectare to farmers for damaged crops due to the recent unseasonal rain.
Referring to the Swaminathan Committee report, Kejriwal said he has already asked the Chief Secretary to check whether the recommendations can be implemented in the national Capital. “We need to ask why farmers are selling their land or committing suicideIJ They are doing it out of compulsion because they are not getting full price for their produce,” he said. The Chief Minister also lashed out at the Rajasthan Government and the Delhi Police over the farmer’s suicide at the rally, holding them responsible.
“If the Rajasthan Government had provided adequate compensation, he would have not taken the extreme step. We kept asking the police to bring him down. Police may not be in our jurisdiction but at least there should be a semblance of humanity among them,” Kejriwal said.