BJP, Cong jointly oppose Medha's protest on Narmada project

Ahmedabad, Apr 10: Cutting across party lines, the ruling BJP and Congress (Opposition) leaders today jointly staged a day-long 'dharna' at the Sabarmati Ashram here to protest Narmada Bachao Andolan activist Medha Patkar's fast in Delhi.

On the occasion, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi claimed that any Opposition to the Narmada project will not be tolerated, as the project is like a 'lifeline' for the state, which plays a key role in the development of the country.

Mr Modi welcomed the unity shown by all the political parties, including Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, in resolving any problems that might delay the completion of the Narmada project.

''Our unity is our strength and we will definitely succeed in achieving our goal,'' he said.

Lashing out at Ms Patkar without naming her, Mr Modi said the people opposing the project had never given specific reason for not accepting the decisions of the Supreme Court or the Narmada authority.

The Chief Minister said, these people were earlier opposing the project over ''environment'' issue and were now against it over ''false rehabilitation'' issue.

In fact, when they were asked to explain who was deprived of rehabilitation rights or benefits, these activists had never come out with specific answers, except giving ''imaginary'' numbers of affected people, Mr Modi alleged.

These handful of people, who are acting at the behest of some vested interests, will not be allowed to succeed, Mr Modi claimed.

Earlier, Leader of Opposition in Gujarat Assembly Arjun Modhvadia said such people should be considered ''anti-national elements''.

Mr Modhvadia said, Narmada is the lifeline project of Gujarat and any opposition to it would always be fought unitedly by BJP and Congress leaders.

Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee president Bharatisinh Solanki said it is one of the biggest projects of 21st century. Meeting the needs of the century is a key-element, thus Congress MLAs, MPs and leaders will extend all possible help to ruling BJP to fight those who are opposing the Narmada project.

UNI

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