Thaindian News

New Delhi, July 5 (IANS) Terming Rahul Gandhi’s padyatra in Bhatta-Parsaul a “political drama”, the main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Tuesday asked why the Congress party’s “compassion” was only limited to happenings in Uttar Pradesh and why was it not displayed after the police crackdown on Baba Ramdev’s camp.

“When police atrocities occur in Uttar Pradesh, they have a different standard; when police atrocities occur in Delhi they have different standards,” BJP spokesperson Rajiv Pratap Rudy said.

“The camp of Baba Ramdev was attacked at midnight, tear gas shells were used, women and children were baton-charged; all political parties had discussed it,” Rudy said at a press conference.

“We want to understand why the compassion is only limited to happenings in Uttar Pradesh, why can’t the leadership of Congress display such compassion for any incident that takes place in the country as well, especially in the national capital.”

Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi is holding a march across Bhatta-Parsaul villages of Uttar Pradesh that saw fierce protests by farmers against inadequate compensation for land acquired two months ago.

“How can there be two standards of compassion, especially for a national leader,” Rudy questioned.

Police swooped down on yoga guru Baba Ramdev’s camp in the capital in the wee hours of June 5 and baton charged supporters, injuring several people. The incident evoked widespread criticism against the government.

BJP leader Rajnath Singh termed Rahul Gandhi’s ‘padyatra’ a “political drama”.

“It is nothing more than a political drama and a political stunt,” BJP leader Singh told reporters.

The BJP leader said the condition of farmers will not improve unless the Land Acquisition (Amendment) Bill is passed, which is in the hands of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government led by Congress.

“As far as the Land Acquisition (Amendment) Bill is concerned, the responsibility to have it passed is on the UPA government led by Congress, and he (Rahul Gandhi) is the general secretary of Congress,” Singh said.

“Since 2007 the Land Acquisition (Amendment) Bill has been pending and the government is sitting on the bill. If the government is actually a well wisher of farmers, they should bring this bill to the parliament as soon as possible,” Singh said, adding that BJP will support the bill once it is brought and see that it is passed as soon as possible with necessary amendments.

“He is the general secretary of a big political party, the Congress party; he should show some responsibility though his behaviour,” Singh added.