Sir — This refers to the editorial, “Farmers hold the key” (March 24). The Prime Minister’s effort to drive home his point of view on the land acquisition Bill through his Mann ki Baat address was appropriate, since radio is a popular medium which caters to over one billion people in India.
His talk ought to have convinced many in the agrarian community. Mr Narendra Modi is right in lamenting the confrontational politics adopted by a united Opposition rather than the rivals seeking a consensus on a Bill which means a lot for the developmental projects of the nation.
The Prime Minister’s point that 80 per cent of farmers’ consent will be given due heed while allotting land to private companies, should be well received by the farming community. Mr Modi’s assurance that only the land needed for acquisition would be taken from the farmers, should allay their fears and apprehensions.
It goes without saying that the antiquated land law required a drastic change. However, the Prime Minister should focus on the day-to-day problems of the farmers to earn their goodwill. The primary thrust should be on short-term measures. As pointed out in the editorial, he should direct his MPs and MlAs to connect with the people and explain the positives of the Bill directly to the common man.