On Tuesday, union minister Nitin Gadkari ruled out any possibility of going back on the land bill, but said the government was open to incorporating more amendments which are in the interest of farmers.
Gadkari, the government’s key pointsman with other parties on the bill, alleged that Congress was opposing the bill for political reasons as part of its agenda to spread disinformation against the government.
There is no question of going back on the land bill... Whatever is in the interests of the nation will be done forcefully.
— Nitin Gadkari
Gadkari said that the government has been speaking to opposition parties to get their support in the Rajya Sabha, where NDA lacks in numbers, and noted BJD’s decision to support the bill.
He also noted that nine of them have already been brought in and the government was open to “good” suggestions.
Gadkari, however, made it clear that the government was committed to pressing ahead with the legislation in Parliament, irrespective of the stand of the opposition parties.
BJD has come out in our support on the land bill. We were accused of being arrogant, now we are going to everybody with folded hands... If they come, it is good; if they oppose we will continue to move forward.
— Nitin Gadkari
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