BJP to intensify agitations against Sethu Samudram Project

Coimbatore, May 5 (UNI) Tamil Nadu BJP President L Ganesan today said the party will intensify national level agitations against destruction of the ancient monument 'Ramar Bridge', while constructing Sethu Samudram Project, after the Uttar Pradesh lection.

Categorically stating that his party was against the construction of the project he told reporters here that there were five other routes including Mandapam Pamban Bridge, Danushkodi and Kothanda Ram temple as discussed by the experts earlier. But he questioned why this urgency for the Centre, especially the Shipping Ministry, for constructing the 'new route', which would fall in international maritime boundary.

Mr Ganesan said Chief Minister M Karunanidhi was wrongly informed about the bridge.

Coming down heavily on Union Shipping Minister T R Baalu, Mr Ganesan said instead of discussing the issue with experts, the Minister was trying to destroy the evidence on the Ramar Bridge.

He said when an Islamic country like Pakistan had been renovating ancient Hindu temples at a cost of Rs 10 crore, the Hindus here were destroying an ancient monument for personal benefits.

He said President A P J Abdul Kalam had also given a statement to reconsider the construction of the project. Normally the President's wish was considered as an order by the Centre. But, this government did not respect even the President and was also not even obeying the apex court, he alleged.

Mr Ganesan, however, categorically said this issue would not be an election issue during the next polls.

UNI