Despite Modi objections, BJP will still back food bill

Aug 14, 2013 |

Age Correspondent

The BJP does not want to be seen opposing the Food Security Bill despite the fact that its national campaign chief, Gujarat CM Narendra Modi, raised objections to it in a letter to the Prime Minister.

While Mr Modi claims that the bill, in its current form, will push India towards malnutrition, BJP leaders wonder how their party can oppose the bill after implementing such a programme in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.The division in the party is clearly visible at a time when the Congress hopes this law will yield rich dividends in the electoral battle ahead.
The Congress plans to name the scheme after late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi to prevent state governments led by other parties from getting mileage out of it.
Opposition MPs belonging to the Left parties, Biju Janata Dal, the DMK, AIADMK, Samajwadi Party and others have given notices that they will move amendments to the bill. The bill was taken up in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday but the discussion got scuttled by disruptions over Telang-ana. Food minister K.V. Thomas’ statement could not be heard in the din.

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