Mangaluru ; The Dakshin Kannada District Congress Committee staged a protest against the Centre’s move for passing the controversial amendment to Right to Fair Compensation & Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation & Resettlement Act 2013, brought in by government through an ordinance, in front of DC’s office on Wednesday.

Addressing the protesters, MLC Ivan D’Souza said the amendments were against the interests of farmers. The previous UPA government had brought in the Act to acquire land with the consent of farmers and pay them fair compensation.

However, the BJP government had brought in amendments to the provisions through an ordinance, without allowing any debate in Parliament.

“The government should have discussed the amendment in the Lok Sabha,” he said.

“Farmers across the country should raise their voice against the amendments.”

By amending the Act, the government had sent out a message that “it is a government for the corporates and industrialists. The amendment should be withdrawn,” he said.

“The Centre has forcibly brought the ordinance on land acquisition act. The Congress will fight against the injustice,” he said.

MLA J R Lobo said the BJP government’s decision to amend the provisions of Land Acquisition Act through an ordinance will lead to forcible land acquisition and diversion of land acquired.

The previous Congress government had passed the Act after incorporating amendments suggested by BJP leaders. The amendment is anti- farmer.

District-in-Charge Minister Ramanath Rai said “The country needs a clean mind rather than Swaccha Bharath.”