L.K. Advani

NEW DELHI: Reiterating its opposition to the acquisition of farmland for industrial projects, the Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday demanded that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh convene an all-party meeting on the issue of special economic zones (SEZs).

"In view of the recent and ongoing developments in West Bengal, I urge the Prime Minister to call an all-party meeting on this issue," senior BJP leader L.K. Advani said while addressing the annual general meeting of the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) here.

Describing as "wasted" the period between late 1960s and early 1990s when the country followed Soviet-influenced model of economic development, he accused the Communists of double-speak on current economic issues, citing the row over farmland acquisition at Singur in West Bengal for a Tata Motors car project.

Mr. Advani termed SEZs enclaves of world-class manufacturing units with special focus on exports. But the United Progressive Alliance Government did not exercise necessary precaution in formulating and implementing the policy.

He insisted that farmers whose land was acquired for industrial use should be given some kind of stake in the projects or a regular income stream.

However, the former BJP chief, whose party stood staunchly beside its ally and Trinamool chief Mamata Banerjee during her hunger strike against the Singur land acquisition, praised Ratan Tata for his accomplishments and Mr. Tata's bid to acquire Corus, a British steel company, and Laxmi Mittal's Arcelor venture.

Launching an attack on the UPA and its Left allies, Mr. Advani said the "nature" of the ruling coalition was itself a "big roadblock" in the country's progress.

Responding to a question from the audience, he said there were several democracies that allowed their film industries to have censor powers with them, suggesting that the Indian film industry too should take initiatives for seeking such controls.

Mr. Advani voiced his party's concerns over security. "We want to have good relations with our neighbours, but not at the cost of security," he elaborated.

"Of late, private entrepreneurs have shown a lot of interest in higher and professional education. Many of the institutions that they have set up in technology, medicine, management, law and other areas are of excellent quality. This is of course a welcome trend," he observed favouring privatisation of higher education.

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