Date:12/05/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/05/12/stories/2006051207190400.htm

Karnataka - Gulbarga

`Hold talks on Tadari project'

Special Correspondent

Dharam Singh's urges Kumaraswamy to meet those opposed to the project

4,000 MW thermal project planned in Uttara Kannada

Environmentalists, mathadipathis, BJP leaders are opposed to the project

GULBARGA: The Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly N. Dharam Singh has urged Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy to immediately convene a meeting of all those opposed to the 4,000 MW thermal power plant at Tadari in Uttara Kannada, including heads of various maths. He should persuade them to not oppose the project by convincing them of the benefits that will accrue to the State, which is facing a shortage of power.

Talking to The Hindu here, Mr. Singh said the Tadari project would be a boon to the State and the opposition to the project by environmentalists, mathadipathis and Bharatiya Janata Party leaders was unfortunate. The mathadipathis had indicated their willingness to discuss the issue with the Government, and the Government should use the opportunity to hold talks with them.

He said it was strange that the BJP, which was part of the coalition Government, was opposing the decision taken by the Government to go ahead with the project in the presence of Union Power Minister Sushilkumar Shinde.

Reacting sharply to the reported statement of Mr. Kumaraswamy that he (Mr. Singh) had failed to effectively discharge his duties as Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Singh said, "I do not need any certificate from Mr. Kumaraswamy... "

Mr. Singh said the Chief Minister, instead of criticising Opposition party leaders, should devote more attention to solving the problems facing by the State, including the border dispute with Maharashtra and the CET imbroglio.

The Government should take serious note of the decision of the Shiv Sena and Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti to revive the border dispute over Belgaum and other areas in Karnataka. They had filed a petition in this regard in the Supreme Court. The former Chief Minister said the Government should convene an all-party meeting to discuss the developments and take a united stand on the issue.

He pointed out that Maharashtra had a powerful lobby at the Centre and Karnataka should be wary of this and take all measures to protect its interests.