MDMK chief Vaiko met CM Joseph Vijay, urging him not to allow the reopening of the Sterlite copper plant, even under a new name. Vaiko submitted a memorandum on the issue and praised the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government as corruption-free.
Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) General Secretary Vaiko on Wednesday urged Chief Minister Joseph Vijay not to permit the reopening of the Sterlite copper plant in Tamil Nadu under any new name.
'Green Copper' a guise to reopen plant'
Speaking to reporters after a one-hour meeting with the Chief Minister at the Secretariat, Vaiko said that his party had consistently opposed the Sterlite project since its inception in the state. "From the day the Sterlite plant was established in Tamil Nadu, we have conducted countless protests against it. Now, its owner, Anil Agarwal, may attempt to reopen the plant under the name 'Green Copper'. I have therefore submitted a detailed memorandum to the Chief Minister requesting that the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government should not allow such an attempt. Under no circumstances should a copper smelter be permitted in Tamil Nadu," he said.
Invitation for book launch
Vaiko also informed the Chief Minister about his plans to release a compilation of his parliamentary speeches delivered over the past 30 years in Delhi. The function is scheduled to be held on August 4. "I have invited the Chief Minister to participate in the event. I am planning for Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan to release the first copy, and I would like the Chief Minister to receive it. Chief Minister Vijay has graciously accepted the invitation," he said.
The MDMK leader noted that discussing these two matters occupied much of the meeting and thanked the Chief Minister and the state government for setting aside nearly 45 minutes for the interaction.
'My voice is for public causes'
Highlighting his long-standing public activism, Vaiko said he had consistently fought for issues affecting the livelihoods of Tamil Nadu's people, including the Mekedatu, Neutrino and Hydrocarbon projects. "Throughout my public life, I have raised my voice not for party interests but for public causes. My objective has always been to safeguard the livelihoods of the people of Tamil Nadu. It was on that basis that I met the Chief Minister. The meeting was highly satisfying and meaningful," he said.
Political stance and praise for 'healthy administration'
Referring to the Sterlite issue, Vaiko stated that former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa had ordered the closure of the plant based on information available to her government when the matter was headed for consideration before the Supreme Court. However, he also remarked that the AIADMK government under Jayalalithaa had at one stage supported the Sterlite project.
On the political front, Vaiko said the stand of MDMK legislators would become clear on Thursday and that the party's General Council would deliberate on the issue before taking an official position.
Praising the present administration, he said, "Since this government assumed office, there has been no room even for talk of commissions. This is a very healthy administration. Chief Minister Vijay's government is functioning without giving any scope for commission-based corruption."
He added that whatever decision is adopted by the party's General Council after detailed deliberations would be the official stand of the MDMK.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
