Sena opposes Rajapur refinery project

Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray today told Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis that his party would oppose the proposed oil refinery project in the Konkan region as local people are against its execution.
"People in Nanar (in Rajapur taluka of Konkan region) are opposing the project. Hence, the Sena is also opposing it. I have brought with me a stack of letters from locals who are opposing the project," Thackeray told reporters after his meeting with the chief minister at the latter's official residence 'Varsha'.
He said the future of the project depended on the local people.
"If people do not want the project to happen, it cannot be allowed. Two organisations that have opposed the project met the chief minister along with me and opposed the project," Thackeray said.

The tough posturing by the Sena on the proposed project is likely to further strain the relations between the two alliance partners in the state government which is headed by the BJP.
Meanwhile, Industries minister Subhash Desai, who was also present at the meeting, said, "the MoU for the project will not be signed during the upcoming investment summit (Magnetic Maharashtra)".

He said that any project needs consent of 70 per cent people from the affected villages.
"However, 78 per cent people have given their consent against the project. In such a situation, the government cannot push the project," said Desai.

A mega refinery and petrochemical complex is proposed in Rajapur in Ratnagiri district.