Sterlite Stir: Opposition parties urge Centre, state to stop expansion

Founder-president of Pattali Makkal Katchi S Ramadoss, in a statement on Sunday, said that the protests by public to oppose the decision of expanding the plant had entered 42nd day. “However, the state government turned a deaf ear to the protest and no ministers and officials paid attention on grievances of the people,” he said and added that the plant was detrimental to the people and even more number of people were killed in the explosion, which took place on August 30, 1997.

Stating that the government is helping to expand the plant, Ramadoss said, “It is a clear indication that the state government can stoop to any extent in any issue that will be a bane to the people.” 

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Similarly, R Mutharasan, state secretary of CPI, said that the state government failed to put pressure on the Centre to stop the decision of expanding the plant. “Both governments should sense the fact that establishing such a plant near residential areas will create fear among the public. Further, the state government should not remain as a passive and mute spectator in this respect,” he said and added that the entire plant should be closed. Similarly, VCK and CPM have opposed the move.