Shiv Sena minister Kadam’s statement had led to confusion
Mumbai : The Shiv Sena on Monday reiterated its opposition to the nuclear power project at Jaitapur in Ratnagiri district.
“We have made our position very clear. We will keep opposing this (Jaitapur nuclear power) project. Uddhavji will soon speak about the issue,” Shiv Sena MP from Rajya Sabha Anil Desai told reporters here at a press conference. “If the residents of the region are opposing this project, then what purpose will it serve?” he asked.
Senior Shiv Sena leader and Environment minister in the state cabinet Ramdas Kadam had last week said that the local people are opposing the project and Shiv Sena is just supporting them, otherwise the party is not opposed to the nuclear power. His statement had led to confusion over the party’s exact stand over the issue.
Last night, while speaking to reporters at Satara, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had openly supported the nuclear power project. “The work is in progress. We have reached a stage of no return. We shall put the national interest before everything else,” the CM had said.
However, Desai welcomed CM’s statement regarding keeping the saffron alliance intact.
“If he (Fadnavis) says that the BJP’s split with the Shiv Sena strengthened his party, there is nothing wrong with it. One needs to make such comments to boost the morale of party workers. But what is more important is his comment that the BJP and Sena will fight the upcoming elections together,” Desai said.
“Shiv Sena is strength. Nobody can achieve their power equations without Shiv Sena,” he added later.
Desai also said that talks are currently underway for an alliance between the saffron parties for the Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC) going to polls next month and a decision on it will be taken by tomorrow.
The nomination forms for the VVMC polls have to be filled between May 22 and 29. Elections will be held on June 14 and counting will take place on June 16.
