Political parties, local outfits protest Medha's campaign

Surat, Apr 15 (UNI) Various organisations and political parties today came together for a day-long hunger strike to protest the Central Government's move to review the height of the Sardar Sarovar dam on Narmada river.

A number of organisations like the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Saurashtra Jaladhara Trust, Surat Civic Forum and political parties like BJP and Congress took part in the 'Upvas' (fast) at Rang Upvan here.

Seers and other religious heads also participated in the protest and expressed their solidarity to the pro-Narmada dam movement.

A hoarding was displayed near the venue criticising Narmada Bachao Andolan leader Medha Patkar as an ''agent of multinational corporations''.

The meeting was attended by State Water Resources Minister Narotham Patel, Narmada Nigam Chairman Jain Narain Vyas, Surat Mayor Kanubhai Mavani, MLAs Dhansu Patel and Dhirubhai Gajera and corporation councillors.

A signature campaign was also carried out by the protestors to register support for the cause, which they said would be sent to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

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