PM Modi cleared doubts, says Paswan; LJP ready to support land bill

New Delhi: Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan-led LJP, an NDA ally, has come around to supporting the land bill after initially raising objections even as some other partners in the ruling coalition continue to be wary of some of its provisions.

Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) chief Ram Vilas Paswan on Thursday said he was satisfied with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement in Parliament regarding the Bill and was clear now that it was in favour of farmers.

"There is no apprehension after the Prime Minister's statement on the Bill in Parliament. It is clear that the Bill is in favour of citizens and farmers. We need to pass it unanimously," Paswan, the Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution minister, told reporters.

"This law will lead to development in the states, establishment of infrastructure and new manufacturing facilities. Youths will get employment in villages. Farmers will not be affected. Rather they will benefit in the long run," he said.

LJP, which has six members in Lok Sabha, had earlier expressed concern over the Bill's provision which does away with the consent clause and said the government should clear its stand over it.

BJP allies like Akali Dal and Shiv Sena have so far refrained from supporting the Bill.