GUNTUR: Farmers of riverbank villages in the proposed state capital have decided to take their struggle to Delhi in a bid to mobilize national support. The farmers will take the help of social activist Anna Hazare.

They will also hold protest in Delhi against the amendments to the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013.

The capital area ryots will leave for Delhi on February 21 to participate in the two-day protest planned by Anna Hazare at Jantar Mantar against the amendments to the new land acquisition Act. The agitation is scheduled for February 23.

Scores of farmers from riverfront villages have sought Anna Hazare's support as the amended Act is likely to be invoked by AP government to build the capital city after acquiring agricultural land from them. Local farmers said the Centre had hurriedly brought the ordinance only at the behest of AP chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Union urban development minister M Venkaiah Naidu to facilitate forcible acquisition of green fields for the capital city.

"The previous Bill categorically banned acquisition of green fields for any purpose.

The ordinance was brought to help realtors and corporate companies," alleged farmers' leader Mallela Seshagiri Rao. Sources said farmers of all 10 villages on the riverbank will meet on February 19 to chalk out their proposed programme of action in New Delhi.

Karumanchi Indraneel, a farmer, said many farmers have expressed their willingness to participate in the 'Chalo Delhi' agitation and meet Anna Hazare. He said farmers will book special coaches in trains to reach Delhi.