Padayatras taken out for and against Vedanta plant

The Statesman, April 26, 2007

Statesman News Service
BHAWANIPATNA, April 25: Kalahandi witnessed hectic political activities today with those who are for and against Vedanata group taking out separate padayatras and their leaders delivering fiery speeches.
The 12-day long padayatra of Green Kalahandi ~ started on 14 April giving call for protection of Jal-Jamin-Jungle ~ concluded here with a public meeting wherein Opposition leaders launched a tirade against the state government for showing “undue favour” to Vedanata Industries. Led by former Union minister Mr Bhakta Charan Das, the meeting was addressed by OPCC chief Mr Jayadev Jena, Mr Umesh Swain, Left party leaders such as Mr Janardan Pati and Mr Ashish Kanungo and also Mr Srikanta Jena.
Mr Bhakta Charan Das, who has formed Green Kalahandi, said mining on the Niyamagiri hills would destroy the ecological balance and nothing in terms of compensation or rehabilitation and resettlement policy could compensate the destruction that would take place. A seven point charter addressed to the Governor was released on the occasion.
Simultaneously, another set of political padayatris under the banner of Kalahandi Bikash Abhijan held a meeting in Kesinga today. This move, allegedly conducted by the ruling BJD leaders, was to project the Vedanta industries as a boon for the district and the local people.
Mr Balabhadra Majhi, BJD MLA, who was unceremoniously sacked from the ministry, addressed the meeting along with Mr Ayub Ali Khan, Mr Bhawani Shankar Nial and others.
They hailed the industrial policy of the state government and how it had attracted a major industry to a district like Kalahandi. The leaders alleged that some disgruntled and rejected politicians were trying to put a spoke in the wheels of development only to garner political mileage.
A memorandum addressed to chief minister was released on the occasion wherein there was demand to gear up periphery development activity by the plant and to look into the interest of the local youths in the matter of employment.