SSCP Committee for public hearing on 'speedy implementation'

Chennai, Jan 19 (UNI) The Sethusamudram Shipping Channel Project (SSCP) Protection Committee today decided to organise a public meeting at Ramanathapuram next month to urge the Centre to take immediate steps for its speedy implementation.

The Committee, headed by Dravidar Kazhagam (DK) President K Veeramani, adopted a resolution here to hold a meeting presided over by Chief Minister and DMK President M Karunanidhi.

The meeting to be participated by leaders of all political parties in the state, would explain to the public on the need for implementing the project.

Accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition All India Anna DMK (AIADMK) of opposing the project for 'achieving political mileage,' the Committee said these parties did not want the Congress-led UPA Government at the Centre to take credit for completing the project ahead of the 2009 Lok Sabha elections.

The previous NDA Government, headed by the BJP, had approved the present sixth alignment for implementing the project, but it was now opposing it, citing the 'Ram Sethu' issue. This is nothing but politically motivated, the meeting observed.

It said the AIADMK, which initially demanded change of alignment, was now demanding that the project be shelved, the meeting said and condemned the party for acting against the interest of the state.

The Committee's meeting was attended among others by T K S Elangovan (DMK), T K Rangarajan (CPI-M), Ravikumar (VCK), Suba Veerapandian (Tamizhar Peravai) and M Veerapandian (CPI).

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