Ready for open debate with PM Modi on Land Bill: Anna Hazare

Mumbai: While sticking to his stand that the NDA Government's Land bill is loaded against the interests of farmers, anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare on Friday said he was ready for an open debate with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue if something concrete emerged from it.

"You have called for an open debate. We accept this. But there is very small possibility of a concrete decision emerging out of such a debate," Hazare said in his reply to a letter written by Union minister Nitin Gadkari on the vexed issue.

"There is a possibility of some decision (emerging out of the debate) if Modi participates in the debate and there is a discussion with four-five of us in the (anti-Land bill) movement. We expect that Modi informs us the day, venue and time for the open debate," the 77-year-old campaigner said.

He, however, said, "There is not a single thing in the bill, which is in the interest of farmers."

Hazare, who has called a 'jai bharo' agitation against the bill, also expressed misgivings about the Centre's assurance that job will be provided to a member of the family of the farmer whose land is acquired.

"What is the guarantee? Such assurances have been made in the past also," he said.

"We will give priority to the battle against corruption. Lokpal Lokayukta legislation is in place, but not being implemented," Hazare added.