A lack of consensus within the government as well as in the Sangh Parivar seems to be forcing the BJP to adopt some ‘delaying tactics’ in the preparation of the joint parliamentary panel report on the Land Acquisition Bill. According to sources, the SS Ahluwalia-headed joint panel may seek yet another extension to submit its report on the Bill.

Sources on the panel told BusinessLine that though the Speaker had agreed for an extension of one more week, till July 28, the panel’s work is not likely to be completed by that time. “We need more time. Responses of various States have not been presented before the panel. The government has not furnished many details sought by the members,” a panel member said.

Another member from the Opposition said the government and the BJP are not keen on early passage of the Bill. “They are looking confused. Sangh Parivar organisations, one after another, have criticised the Bill in the panel. BJP members themselves are taking different positions on the various amendments. There is no coordination among them,” he added.

The Opposition believes that the BJP will be forced to seek more time for the presentation of the report.

CPI (M) leader Sitaram Yechury had threatened that the Opposition will not allow the passage or defeat of the Bill in the Rajya Sabha.

The government can call a joint session f Parliament only if the Bill gets defeated in the Upper House; the NDA is in minority in the Rajya Sabha.

However, when asked at a recent event, Rural Development Minister Rao Birender Singh had said: “Joint session is the last weapon.”

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