UPA Govt politicising Niyamgiri issue: Minister

The Pioneer, Aug 23, 2010
PNS, Bhawanipatna

Slamming the UPA Government, Agriculture Minister Damodar Rout said during a Press conference here that it is politicising the Niyamgiri issue. The Centre is not interested in the development of the State anymore, alleged Rout.

Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leaders have raised their eyebrows on the visit of All India Congress Committee general secretary Rahu Gandhi to Niyamgiri hills and have decided to observe it as Black Day on August 26 on Tribals Day.

After clearance from the Supreme Court, Central Government and Forest Department, the State Government was functioning on their decision.

Even Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had the asked the State Government to expedite the Posco project nine times. President Pratibh Patil had also asked Chief Minister Naveen Pattnaik to speed up the project, Rout told the reporters.

Rout alleged that the NC Saxena Committee is being biased by the NGOs which are barring the development of industries in Odisha. The Central Government was too much interested in the mining projects.

After clearance from the Central Government and Forest Ministry, again questions are being raised on violation. On Polavarum issue , the Central Government never consulted the State Government and within seven days the project got a clearance, Rout said.

Among others, District Collector Rupa Mishra, BCCB president Kali Raiguru, Jagyenswar Rout and Balabhadra Majhi were also present in the conference.