Shiv Sena decides to step up opposition against Jaitapur nuclear project

Also opposes revival of cricketing ties with Pakistan

The Shiv Sena, alliance partner in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government at the Centre and in Maharashtra, on Thursday announced the party would continue to oppose the development of 9,900 Mw nuclear power project at Jaitapur and the Centre’s move to revive cricket diplomacy with neighbouring Pakistan.

Sena MPs and ministers held a meeting with party President Uddhav Thackeray. Sena MPs had called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday to apprise him of the party's opposition to the Jaitapur project. Modi reportedly told the visiting MPs that India needs power and nuclear power is one of the cleanest source of energy. However, he had assured the delegation to hold further talks to remove their doubts.

Sena MP Arvind Sawant told Business Standard: “Today, the Jaitapur issue was discussed at length at the meeting with party president. There is no change in Shiv Sena's stand. Let me tell you that this is not a political issue. There are apprehensions with regard to the safety and security and the impact on human and marine lives and also on nature in the wake of any disaster. These apprehensions are based on various government documents and expert opinions. The project is situated in the seismic zone and there were about 93 tremors felt in that area in the last two decades.”

The Sena's move comes at a time when Areva and Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd are expected to resume talks for reaching commercial contract for the project. Areva, which will initially supply two evolutionary pressurised reactors (EPRs) of 1,650 Mw each, has signed a deal with L&T to increase localisation, especially with the production of critical components, including giant forgings.

The Sena also said it will oppose any move to revive cricketing relations with Pakistan. ''Shiv Sena has been opposing cricket diplomacy with that country. The party will stick to its stand in future too,'' Sawant said. He informed that the issue also came up for discussion during meeting with Uddhav.

Another party leader said cricket series with Pakistan should not be revived especially when it hte neighbouring country is involved in cross border terrorism.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Shaharyar Khan, who was in New Delhi, on the issue of Pakistan trying to revive cricket series with India, announced that the differences between PCB and BCCI over broadcast rights issues will be sorted out soon. On a series between the two countries, he said as far as the first series is concerned it will be hosted by Pakistan in UAE.