Minister’s flip-flop on Sterlite closure confuses protesters

Raju, was elected from Kovilpatti in Thoothukudi district and his comments are observed more keenly by the residents. In the recent past, Raju had been speaking continuously about Sterlite Copper.  Initially, he said that state will take a favourable decision on Sterlite Copper and will respect the sentiments of protesters. As said by the Minister the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board denied the consent to renew the operating license for Copper smelting plant. 

After the refusal of permission to Sterlite Copper anti-Sterlite protesters had started observing more of Raju and his statements. On Wednesday, he, in a pessimistic tone, said that state has no role in permanent closure of Sterlite Copper. 

He substantiated his statement by saying that only the Centre has the powers to take a decision on permanent closure of Sterlite Copper as the permission have been obtained from them and also have obtained permission from the NGT to continue operating the plant. 

The statement of Minister had upset the anti-Sterlite protesters and many took to social media to condemn him. However, on Thursday, Raju made a U-turn on his previous statement and said that state is taking steps to permanently close down Sterlite Copper. 

“State government is holding discussions with the Centre to cancel the licenses of Sterlite Copper and will take steps for permanent closure of the plant. Also the state will take legal steps to fight against Sterlite Copper in the courts,” he said. 

Though the statement had given a ray of hope for anti-Sterlite protesters, they are highly confused at the two completely contradicting statements of Minister in two days.