Accusing the Centre of just posing as pro-farmer, the All India Kisan Mazdoor Sabha organised a protest of farmers against the land acquisition ordinance here on Friday.

“We have gathered here to protest against the ordinance, which we want withdrawn. We also want the government not to make any changes to the 2013 Land Acquisition Act, which was brought in by the United Progressive Alliance government,” Ashish Mital, secretary of the organisation, said. He described as false the government’s claims that the proposed changes would benefit farmers.

“The ruling BJP is only posing as pro-peasantry. But its anti-people character is clear from all its claims. No land acquisition [as mentioned in the ordinance] is required for irrigation canals, rural houses and roads [as the government maintains],” he said.

Stating that land acquired for industry often remained unused, the organisation suggested that the government focus on improving the condition of the industrial sector. The Centre should lower input prices, grant adequate profit in sale of farm produce and develop agricultural infrastructure.