Anti-govt stir brews in Anna Hazare’s camp

Hazare’s associates said the activist has not been keeping too well of late and has also been busy strengthening his office infrastructure in his model village, Ralegan Siddhi in Maharashtra.

Hazare launching his first agitation against the Narendra Modi government cannot be ruled out and that may happen in two to three months.

Pune-based activist Vishwambhar Chaudhari, a close associate of Hazare, said that in the past two-three weeks, several farmers’ delegations and peasant leaders met Hazare. They reportedly requested him to oppose the amendment, which they perceive is “anti-farmer.”

Gandhian leader Rajagopal P V who called on Hazare on Sunday is learned to have discussed a “strategic plan to oppose the move”.
According to Chaudhari, who met Hazare on Monday, the veteran Gandhian is of the opinion that the move was “anti-farmer” and will affect the livelihood of poor farmers and landless labourers.

“Annaji believes that the latest amendment to the land acquisition Act via an ordinance will affect a majority of farmers across the country. Several farmers’ leaders have either met him or written to him to take up the issue before it is too late. The move of the BJP government has displeased him. Although he is busy with other things at the moment, the possibility of a nationwide agitation with the help of other organisations cannot be ruled out,” said Chaudhari.

Rajagopal of the Ekta Parishad who had staged several protests against the amendment and has announced a march from Agra to Delhi from March 15 to March 27, 2015, said Hazare feels he “can’t just sit and watch” while the government goes ahead with anti-farmer steps.

“After many years of struggle, we succeeded in passing the present Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act. Like all of us, Anna is concerned over the recent amendment. He feels all our struggles so far are meaningless if we fail to protect farmers’ land. We are working with Anna on a strategic plan and connecting with others who have similar feelings. We will take some time before making an announcement about a larger action plan,” said Rajagopal.

Hazare may also take part in the Agra-to-Delhi march announced by Rajagopal’s organisation.