BJP MP critical of party`s industrialisation stand

Ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had received a jolt when its senior Member of Parliament (BJP) came out against the government opposing industrialization in the tribal predominated Jashpur region.

BJP Rajya Sabha member Nandkumar Sai joined a mammoth gathering of people at a conference held in Jashpur—about 500-km from here—on Sunday to protest against the industries coming up in the district. The conference was organized to discuss about the negative affects of the industrialization.

The speakers said the state government had given consent to set up 112 small, medium and big industries in the district without conducting the required public hearing or gram sabha’s approval. The industries would require huge land to play with while agriculture land would also be destroyed.

 

“The state government is ensuring that the district is sold out to the industrialists,” the speakers said, adding that they would not allow the industries to come up in the area. They added that in Chhattisgarh, the state government was acquiring land for industries but was least bothered about people’s rehabilitation.

Many prominent personalities including former legislator and tribal leader Hira Singh Markam, Brahmadeo Sharma, Dr Askar were present on the occasion. But the centre of attraction was BJP MP and party’s tribal face Nandkumar Sai.

“I have not come here to oppose the state government, my reservation is against capitalist ideology,” Sai said in clarification. He added that the state government should promote small scale industries instead of mega projects in the state.