Gadkari claimed that the opposition parties were criticising the bill for “political reasons”. Gadkari claimed that the opposition parties were criticising the bill for “political reasons”.

With the Centre trying to fix the “perception” over the controversial land bill, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari in a letter to Opposition leaders on Thursday said the ministries of transport and power alone had disbursed Rs 2,000 crore as compensation after the ordinance amending the land act was brought in.

In a letter to Congress president Sonia Gandhi, leaders of other Opposition parties and activist Anna Hazare, Gadkari said: “We would like to inform you that it was necessary to bring the Ordinance to ensure that farmers get compensation equivalent to four times the market price of their land. The Transport Ministry and Power Ministry have already disbursed Rs 2,000 crore as compensation. This was possible only because we brought the Ordinance.” He did not clarify what these projects were.

Accusing the Opposition of “misleading” farmers, Gadkari challenged parties to an open debate. “They are doing this drama for political gains… I appeal to them for an open debate. I challenge them and if proved wrong, we are ready to seek an apology and include suggestions.”

He argued that none of the changes in the bill were against farmers’ interests. “It is aimed at making agriculturists more prosperous. Industrial corridor would not be constructed in Delhi or other big cities. These will pass through rural areas. This would bring industry to the rural areas and the direct beneficiaries would be farmers and the unemployed,” he said.

Justifying the exemption of land acquisition for defence projects from social impact assessment and consent clauses, Gadkari said this was done keeping the security interests of the country in mind. “Today, the hard-earned money of our people is used for import of arms. Should defence equipment not be manufactured within the country? Is this not in the country’s interest?” he asked. The bill has been passed by Lok Sabha with minor amendments and is pending before the Rajya Sabha, where the ruling coalition does not have a majority. \

The minister also addressed farmers at a Samiksha Adhiveshan on the bill organised by All India Panchayat Parishad. “We are in favour of farmers… We have made changes in the bill that go in farmers’ interests and have focused on rehabilitation and resettlement,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Congress hit back saying the BJP and Gadkari “should stop hoodwinking and attempting diversionary tactics”. In an official release, the Congress asked if the Centre was “facing the jitters on account of the hoax and farce of land acquisition ordinance having been called off by complete Opposition unity led by the Congress president”.

Questioning why the government chose the Ordinance route if it was open to suggestions, the party said if it is sincere, it should withdraw the Ordinance and apologise to farmers.

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