The current issue in Uttar Pradesh politics is Land acquisition and farmer suicides.The construction of the 165.4 km long Yamuna Expressway through UP has forced the government to relocate farmers and acquire land under the Land Acquisition Act, 1984. The expressway seeks to link Greater Noida and Agra. However, thousands of farmers have protested against these unethical and “forcible” land accusations. The protests have developed on the backdrop of farmers resorting to suicide and some getting killed by police firing. BSP led by Ms. Mayawati is clear on its stand that it supports timely and just amendments to the land acquisition bills, and has extended support to the protest rallies. Several farmers from neighbouring areas led by RLD (Rastra Lok Dal) have sought to hartals in front of the parliament and have marched till Delhi.
Ajit Singh, president of RLD has said that that have proposed a new bill in the parliament that seeks to demarcate the role played by the government in specific purposes. He says that if a land is acquired for some purpose and it is not fulfilled within five years the government is liable to return the land to the farmer.
Almost every party present in the state of Uttar Pradesh have similar sentiments and have supported the protests. Protest marches and meetings have been called by BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party), CPI(M) (Communist party of India, Marxist), JD(U) (Janata Dal, United), LJP (Lok Janshakti Party), CPI (Communist Party of India), AIADMK (All India Anna Dravida Munetra Kajhagam) and TDP (Telegu Desham Party). However the central government is stern on its stand with Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari declaring that land acquisition problems is not being faced in UP alone and its essence is to serve developmental needs. The government does sympathize with the farmers and amendments are being reviewed to give proper reimbursements and concessions.
Ajit Singh, president of RLD has said that that have proposed a new bill in the parliament that seeks to demarcate the role played by the government in specific purposes. He says that if a land is acquired for some purpose and it is not fulfilled within five years the government is liable to return the land to the farmer.
Almost every party present in the state of Uttar Pradesh have similar sentiments and have supported the protests. Protest marches and meetings have been called by BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party), CPI(M) (Communist party of India, Marxist), JD(U) (Janata Dal, United), LJP (Lok Janshakti Party), CPI (Communist Party of India), AIADMK (All India Anna Dravida Munetra Kajhagam) and TDP (Telegu Desham Party). However the central government is stern on its stand with Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari declaring that land acquisition problems is not being faced in UP alone and its essence is to serve developmental needs. The government does sympathize with the farmers and amendments are being reviewed to give proper reimbursements and concessions.