Shift Nanar refinery to Gujarat, Shiv Sena dares BJP
Ratnagiri (Maharashtra), April 23: Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray on Monday challenged the BJP to shift the proposed Nanar refinery complex from the eco-sensitive Konkan region of Maharashtra to Gujarat.
"They are trying to scare us by saying the project will go to Gujarat. You want to take it to Gujarat? Do it. We will not allow you to destroy Konkan in the name of development. Konkan will not be allowed to become a Gujarat," Thackeray told a public rally in Nanar village here.
The village is the site for a proposed Rs 3-trillion world's biggest integrated oil refinery and petrochemicals complex with a capacity to process 60 million tonnnes, coming up in collaboration with Saudi Arabian Oil Co known as Saudi Aramco.
Strongly opposing the refinery project, Thackeray reiterated his demand of why Vidarbha (eastern Maharashtra) was not being considered instead of the eco-sensitive and picturesque coastal Konkan region.
"You will not get Nanara. But if you destroy Konkan, then we will finish you. The people of Nanar are firmly united on this," Thackeray roared as the crowds cheered.
Industry Minister Subhash Desai announced the cancellation of the land acquisition process in which the names of several buyers raised questions.
"Even before the project was announced, how did Gujaratis or Marwaris and others buy land here? From where did farmers like Shah, Modi or Katiyar come here? This is nothing but a scam and corruption in land allotment," Thackeray said.
Attacking Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Thackeray accused him of reneging on his promises that the project would not be imposed if the local population had objections.
"But Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has made a deal with Saudi Arabia and chucked the CM's assurance into the dustbin. Fadnavis' word is not worth a dime in Delhi. Shift it to Vidarbha or take it to Gujarat, we are not bothered," Thackeray said.
He urged the people of Nanar and surrounding areas not to give up even an inch of their land for the project.
"Today, we are peaceful. But if you continue to oppress us, we will change our tactics. If they come to survey the lands again, stop them in your own way, lie on the roads," the Sena leader said.
Thackeray's rally came a week after several local organisations under the banner of Konkan Refinery Shetkari-Machhimar Sangharsh Samiti and Refinery Virodhi Sangharsh Samiti visited Mumbai and drummed up support for their agitation among all political parties.
Almost all major political parties, including ruling NDA allies Shiv Sena and Narayan Rane's Maharashtra Swabhimani Party, have supported the locals.
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R-Day parade: Navy wins best marching contingent award, Maharashtra tops tableau category
New Delhi (PTI): Indian Navy has been adjudged the best marching contingent among the three wings of the armed forces at this year's Republic Day Parade, officials have said.
Maharashtra won the top prize in the category of states and Union Territories for its tableau showcasing Ganeshotsav, while the culture ministry's tableau celebrating the 150-year legacy of 'Vande Mataram' emerged as the winner in the ministries and departments category.
The Navy's marching contingent comprised 144 young personnel marching shoulder-to-shoulder on the historic Kartavya Path, symbolising it as a progressive and strong maritime force, Navy officials said on Wednesday.
The Navy's marching contingent won the top prize in the best marching contingent among the three services, while Delhi Police's contingent was adjudged the best marching contingent among Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and other auxiliary forces, they said.
In the state and Union Territories tableau category, Jammu and Kashmir won the second prize, followed by Kerala in third place.
Maharashtra's tableau presented a blend of modernity and tradition, portraying the Ganesh festival as a symbol of self-reliance. Dressed in traditional attire, a troupe of women dancers performed Lezim, a folk dance, on either side of the tableau during the parade on the ceremonial boulevard.
The culture ministry's tableau celebrated 150 years of 'Vande Mataram', showcasing the song's composition by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, a colonial-era recording by a famous Marathi singer and its rendition by a group representing the 'Gen Z'.
Themed 'Vande Mataram: The Soul-Cry of a Nation', the tableau's foreground section depicted the manuscript of 'Vande Mataram' being composed, while a panel on its lower side depicted an image of Chatterjee.
The middle section carried a group of artistes in traditional costumes, depicting the folk diversity of India, while some were seen in modern dresses, representing the 'Gen Z'.
Behind them, a series of art installations showcased celebrated actor and musician of Marathi cinema and theatre, Vishnupant Pagnis, recording the song, freedom fighters facing the gallows, and an imposing image of 'Bharat Mata' (Mother India) holding the Tricolour.
The depiction was of the rare 1928 recording of the song by him, an official said.
The award presentation ceremony will take place on January 30 at the Rashtriya Rangshala Camp, another official said.
A special prize was awarded to the Central Public Works Department's tableau, which celebrated 150 years of 'Vande Mataram' with a floral float; and the 'Vande Mataram: The Eternal Resonance of India' dance group, officials said.
In the 'Popular Choice' category, based on an online poll conducted on the MyGov portal, citizens voted the Assam Regiment as the best marching contingent among the three services, while the CRPF won the award for the best marching contingent among the CAPFs and other auxiliary forces.
Gujarat secured the top spot in the popular choice category for states and Union territories with its tableau themed 'Mantra of Swadeshi-Self-Reliance-Freedom: Vande Mataram', followed by Uttar Pradesh (theme - Culture of Bundelkhand) and Rajasthan (theme - Golden Touch of the Desert: Bikaner Gold Art).
The Department of School Education and Literacy's tableau (theme - National Education Policy) was chosen as the best tableau from central ministries and departments in the 'Popular Choice' category, they said.
