The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has said that it was not aware of opposition from Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM) on the Land Acquisition Bill introduced by the Narendra Modi government.

The Manch has announced to start vehement protests against the bill. The development adds significance as the Manch is an affiliate of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which is known as the parent organisation of the BJP.

The Land Acquisition Bill has drawn criticism for the BJP-led Democratic Alliance (NDA) government from the opposition Congress.

“We are not aware that the Swadeshi Jagran Manch is opposing the Land Acquisition Bill,” BJP General Secretary Bhupendra Yadav said. Ironically, the Manch delegation today submitted a memorandum to the Raipur District Collector informing about its reservation on the Land Acquisition Bill and proposed gherao of Parliament.

Yadav lashed out at the Congress and alleged that the opposition party was trying to create confusion on the issue. The BJP General Secretary asserted that “its’ house was in order (on the Land Acquisition Bill issue)”.

There were no differences within the party ranks and members on the bill, Yadav explained while replying to a query about Prime Minister Narendra Modi coming out to convince the members on the issue.

Besides Prime Minister, senior leaders of the party are also explaining about the bill to the members, he added. In fact, Yadav too briefed the Chhattisgarh BJP leaders about the bill and gave tip off to oppose opposition volley at the state executive committee meeting held here today.

“Truth will prevail (on Land Acquisition Bill),” Yadav said, adding that there was nothing wrong in the bill that had been designed keeping in view the larger interest of the poor people.

The Congress party wanted to stall the development and growth in the country and had been opposition the bill, he said.

The government had categorically made it clear that it would not acquire land for the industry and the clauses mentioned in the bill was aimed to accelerate country’s growth and help the poor people.