MUMBAI: The government will not compromise on the basic purpose of the Land Acquisition Act, Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu today said amid mounting criticism from the Opposition as well as its ally Shiv Sena on the controversial amendments to the Land Bill.
"The new Bill is currently before the joint committee of Parliament. We want the bill to be passed. We are ready to have suggestions. The government will consider the collective wisdom of the committee, but we will not compromise on the basic purpose of the Land Acquisition Act," Naidu told reporters on the sidelines of an event here.
The joint panel will have to submit its report on the first day of the Monsoon Session on the bill which has already been passed by the Lower House.
Making a veiled attack on Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi on his 'suitboot ki sarkar' remark, the Union urban development minister said, they should show maturity and debate on larger issues of development.
"I have yet not understood the comments on PM's suit boot. The first prime minister (Pandit Nehru) used to wear suit boot and hat. One should be very careful in making such comments and show maturity. They should debate on larger issues of development and not make irresponsible statements," he said.
The minister further said it is necessary to show the world that India is a mature democracy.
"We need to focus on brighter issues. Development should be the core issue for all including politicians. We are seeing what is happening around the globe. Everyone wants progress.
We also need progress," he said.
Naidu also said the media should be responsible and not politicise the statements made by politicians but focus on developmental issues.