Land Bill: Ready for open debate with PM Modi on Bill, says Anna Hazare

Mumbai, Mar 27: Anti-graft crusader Anna Hazare who recently announced a 'jail bharo andolan' across the country against NDA government's Land Bill, today said he was ready for an open debate with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue.

"You have called for an open debate. We accept this. But there is very small possibility of a concrete decision by having a debate with you.

There is a possibility of some decision if Modi participates in the debate and there is a discussion with four-five of us in the (anti-

) movement.

We expect that Modi informs us the day, venue and time for the open debate," Hazare said, in reply to a letter by Union minister Nitin Gadkari.

"There is not a single thing in the bill which is in the interests of farmers," Hazare said. Hazare expressed apprehension over the assurance of job to a member of the family of the farmer whose land is acquired.

"What is the guarantee ? Such assurances have been made in the past also," Hazare said. "We will give priority to the battle against corruption. Lokpal Lokayukta legislation is in place but not being implemented," Hazare said.

PTI