As thousands of supporters thronged Jantar Mantar, social activist Anna Hazare began his two-day protest at the historic place in Delhi against certain amendments to the Land Acquisition Act brought by the Narendra Modi government at the Centre.
Terming the amendments as undemocratic and anti-farmer, Hazare asked how the government can betray the farmers to cater to the industrialists.
Earlier Hazare had hinted at a bigger agitation at the Ramlila ground if the Narendra Modi government does not heed to his demands on the issue.
Immediately after his arrival in Delhi, he said the two-day protest will be followed by a three to four month long 'padyatra' across the country to make people aware of the "anti-farmer" provisions made by the Centre in the ordinance.
On December 29 last year, the government had recommended promulgation of an ordinance making significant changes in the Land Acquisition Act including removal of consent clause for acquiring land for five areas of industrial corridors, PPP projects, rural infrastructure, affordable housing and defence.