Government looking at ways to keep land bill alive in RS

With the Opposition flexing its muscle over the land acquisition bill, the Centre is mulling different options to keep the land legislation alive.

With the Opposition flexing its muscle over the land acquisition bill, the Centre is mulling different options to keep the land legislation alive.

While the government could re-promulgate the ordinance, sources indicated that preparations are also on for a joint session of Parliament, if the Opposition defeats the bill in Rajya Sabha.

Despite Shiv Sena, an ally of the ruling party, not voting for the bill in Lok Sabha, the BJP could get help from some of its supporters like the BJD and AIADMK if the bill comes up in a joint session.

“We will support the bill… Most of our concerns have been addressed,” said Bhartruhari Mahtab, BJD leader.

Sources said the government is also in talks with the SP and BSP to support the bill. However, the Congress, Left and Trinamool have opposed the bill staunchly.

“We have supported the insurance bill because it is essentially our bill. But the land bill is a different issue. Our core concern is related to the consent of farmers in land acquisition,” Digvijaya Singh, Congress general secretary, told HT.

In an bid to reach out to the Opposition, the Centre is likely to allow a select committee to review the bill. “But the bill must be put to vote in RS after the panel gives its report. The Opposition cannot sit on it for a long time,” said a senior functionary.