Congress' 'anti-development face' exposed, says Gadkari

Mumbai, Aug 31: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari today said the Centre has exposed the "anti-development" face of the Congress over Land Acquisition Bill and denied that the NDA government had to retreat on the issue.

The Congress, which had repeatedly tried to project the Narendra Modi government as "anti farmer," has been exposed with the Prime Minister deciding that Land Ordinance will not be re-promulgated, Union Transport and Shipping Minister Gadkari said.

"Congress boycotted discussions on the land bill and was never keen to debate to arrive at consensus," the Minister alleged.

"The Congress' stand is that it never focussed on development and will not allow us to do either. The Opposition party has shown that it is against farmers' interests," he further charged.

The government has exposed the "anti-development" face of the Congress, he said. Replying to a question, he denied that the NDA government had to retreat on the land bill.

Gadkari further said that the government is ready to incorporate any suggestions that will benefit the farmers.

Meanwhile, Gadkari said that state governments are authorised to acquire land as several Chief Ministers made this demand during the NITI Aayog meeting.

"State governments will decide on how to set up industries and development them," he said.

PTI