CPI general secretary AB Bardhan has taken exception to the handing over of thousands of acres of land to industrial houses in the name of industrialisation and special economic zones.
Addressing a gathering of about 20,000 people here at the 11th National Conference of the Bharatiya Kheti Mazdoor Union (BKMU), he said, "We do not favour handing over of thousands of acres of land belonging to farmers and the government in the name of industrialisation and special economic zones. We have demanded fragmentation of land and allotment of land to the landless farmers."
Bardhan pointed out that fragmentation of land was carried out in the Left ruled states of West Bengal, Kerala and Tripura adding, "We have always fought for fragmentation of land and we are going to continue our fight for the benefit of the poor farmers."
Taking a dig at the economic policies of the ruling UPA coalition, the veteran CPI leader said, "The UPA government's economic measures has failed to improve the lot of poor farmers in the country. The ruling government boasts of nine per cent GDP growth but lopsided growth has led to concentration of wealth in a few hands." Talking on the future course of action for BKMU, Bardhan said that around 50,000 committees of the organisation need to be formed across the country at the village level to strengthen the union.
Speaking on the occasion, state CPI leader Ashish Kanungo said, "The Centre has not framed effective laws for the benefit of the poor farmers in the country. The three-day conference of BKMU in the city will focus on the needs and problems of the farmers and labourers living below the poverty line."