Aam Aadmi party activists lost no opportunity to project themselves on television. AAP leader Yogendra Yadav presented packets of salt to all Members of the Parliament (MPs), stating that those in power should not forget the contributions of farmers and protested against the Land Acquisition Bill. Social activist Anna Hazare is an old man and naturally he craves for attention. The BJP is planning to pass the Land Acquisition Bill without taking other parties into confidence. The party should have dialogue with them to resolve this issue.
Land is an emotional issue when it comes to farmers. They remain attached to it even after selling them and this psychological aspect must not be overlooked. Therefore, I have been saying that acquiring land is a delicate issue to be handled locally. You have to show your gratitude towards the farmer even after paying compensation. “Compensation ka adhik mahatwa nahin hai. Aapne apni zameen dekar desh ka bhala kiya hai aur iske liye hum sub aapke aabhari hain”. Land must be acquired by paying adequate compensation to farmers and not by bureaucratic method.
When you talk of social impact analysis, you also have to ascertain whether the farmer is not being pressurized by his sons to sell off the land for purchasing expensive bikes or for going on a world tour to enjoy and spend money. Many times the villagers have told me that their sons want them to sell a part of the land for purchasing a big vehicle simply because their friends own one. I informed the boys that they can easily sell off the land but it is difficult to buy one.
If the land is fertile and the family is dependent on it, the persuasion for not selling it will be a pious task. Look at the faces of women folk of the family and if you see anguish and disapproval then you must give it up. RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat had triggered a controversy by saying that the Mother Teresa was on a mission to convert people to Christianity. He also added that she was baptising on her death bed as well. I feel sad looking at the utter foolishness of persons like Mohan Bhagwat.
I agree with lawyer Abha Singh that the learned Supreme Court must take suo moto cognizance of his utterances and book him. She also added that such statements will only create hatred between different communities and divide the society. It is when mosquitos will bite him, this loud mouth will realize the difference between service and sermons.