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Tamil Nadu
UPA allies must close ranks: Baalu
| “It will help to safeguard interests of Tamils not only in Sri Lanka but also elsewhere in the world” |
UNITING ALLIES: Union Minister for Shipping, Road Transport and Highways T.R. Baalu inaugurating the Tindivanam bypass on Tuesday.
TINDIVANAM: Union Minister of Shipping Road Transport and Highways T.R.Baalu has called upon all the constituents of the United Progressive Alliance to stay united to bring the fruits of development to Tamil Nadu and to safeguard the interests of Tamils, not only in Sri Lanka but also elsewhere in the world.
Mr. Baalu was speaking at the inaugural function of the Rs 285-crore Tindivanam bypass road here on Tuesday. He said the Congress, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, the Pattali Makkal Katchi and other political parties together achieved a historic victory in the last Lok Sabha elections and returned 40 MPs to Parliament.
The nation under the stewardship of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and under the guidance of the UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi had set the goal of achieving 10 per cent growth.
At present, the growth rate was at 8.5 to 9 per cent and to stabilise the growth both physical and social infrastructure ought to be created.
Hence, all efforts had been made to improve roads, ports, railways as well as education, water supply, and so on. In this aspect, the Central Ministers from Tamil Nadu were vying with one another to excel in their respective portfolios.
In the midst of global economic turmoil, Union Finance Minister P.Chidambaram along with Dr Manmohan Singh was taking efforts to set Indian economy on a strong footing.
He said even though the allies followed varied ideologies they should all work towards common good.
He said because of difference of opinion over the signing of the civil nuclear agreement with the U.S. both the Communist Party of India and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) fell out. Though he was not sure when the court clearance would come about, he was categorical that the project was sure to happen. The Union Minister also wished that all the UPA allies would close ranks and jointly face the next Lok Sabha elections.
Tamil Nadu Congress president K.V. Thangkabalu, MP, said his party would not support terrorism and racism nor would it pardon the Rajiv Gandhi killers. Yet, it was for extending support to the suffering Tamils elsewhere, he said.
Higher Education Minister K. Ponmudy said Mr Baalu was not only constructing bridges but also was bridging the allies.
Ginjee Ramachandran and K. Dhanraj, MPs, Brijeshwar Singh, Chairman, National Highways Authority of India, and Brahm Dutt, Central Secretary (Road Transport and Highways), participated.
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