DMK allotted land for expansion of copper unit in Tuticorin: TN CM

Seeking to turn the tables on arch-rival DMK over the Sterlite issue, the ruling AIADMK today claimed that the main opposition party had allotted land for the expansion of the copper plant in Tuticorin district when it was in power during 2006-11.

Underlining his government's commitment to ensure the permanent closure of the copper unit in that district, Chief Minister K Palaniswami listed out the efforts made for it, including the 2013 action taken by J Jayalalithaa as then chief minister of Tamil Nadu.

He said DMK working president MK Stalin had allotted 230 acres of land for Sterlite expansion when he was holding the industries portfolio as deputy chief minister earlier.

Recalling excerpts from a speech made by Stalin in May 2010, Palaniswami said that the former had then stated, "Sterlite Industries located in Tuticorin has undertaken expansion at an investment of Rs 1500 crore."