The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : BJP welcomes Karunanidhi's demand for linking of rivers

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jun 01, 2007
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

BJP welcomes Karunanidhi's demand for linking of rivers

Special Correspondent

L.Ganesan

CHENNAI: The Bharatiya Janata Party has welcomed Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi's demand for taking up the inter-linking of rivers in the southern States.

Addressing mediapersons here on Thursday, party's state president L. Ganesan said it was the National Democratic Alliance Government led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee that made an attempt at inter-linking of rivers by appointing a committee headed by Suresh Prabhu. Unfortunately, the subsequent United Progressive Alliance Government failed to follow it up. He hoped that Mr. Karunanidhi would impress upon the Centre the need for taking up the scheme at the earliest.

Mr. Ganesan opposed the move to introduce sex education in schools. The party would organise awareness programme against sex education in six corporation areas and, subsequently, in other parts of the State.

Appealing to the State Government to defer its decision making helmets compulsory for two-wheeler riders, Mr. Ganesan said the Government could make two wheelers wear helmets by making it compulsory for insurance claims.

Offering to associate with the Pattali Makkal Katchi in implementing total prohibition in the State, Mr. Ganesan criticised the State's prohibition policy, which was biased against toddy.

Additional income

He said if farmers were allowed to tap toddy, then it would bring them additional income and improve the village economy.

He alleged that sugar mills in the State were not allowed to manufacture ethanol to meet the increased demand for spirit for IMFL production.

Demanding a White Paper on the Sethusamudram project, he said the existence of Ramar Setu had been proved scientifically and historically. "We are ready for an open discussion on the issue."

The party's candidate for Madurai West by-election would be decided on June 6 and former Central Minister Pon. Radhakrishnan would coordinate the election activities of the party, he added.

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