Congress warms up for farmers' rally, launches website

New Delhi, Apr 18: Taking the battle on the land bill issue to social media, Congress on Saturday launched a "Zameen Wapsi" website on the eve of its farmers' rally.

The launch is expected to see the first major attack on the government by Rahul Gandhi after his return from leave of absence. [First appearance: Rahul Gandhi meets farmers, has discussion over Land Bill]

The bilingual website 'www.zameenwapsi.com' has been started as the Narendra Modi government was resorting to a "bundle of lies" on the issue to mislead people, party leader Jairam Ramesh said after launching it.

Party General Secretary Digvijay Singh, who is the convenor of tomorrow's rally, dared the government for an open debate on the land acquisition issue.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari say that they are ready for a debate. If that was the case why did they bring the ordinance. Gadkari talks of debate in such a way as if he was throwing a challenge. I as well as Jairam Ramesh are ready for such a debate wherever they like," said Singh.

Ramesh said the website will serve as a medium to farmers in rural and urban areas for placing their views and problems.

"Congress will try to take their issues to the government," he said, adding that the website, which is to be updated daily will provide all related information on the issue of land acquisition.

Tomorrow's rally organised by the party at the Ram Lila grounds here is significant as it is being held on the eve of the second phase of the Budget session of Parliament.

Leaders of as many as 14 opposition parties had marched under the leadership of Sonia Gandhi to the Rashtrapati Bhavan in the first phase of the Budget session to protest against the controversial land bill.

PTI