In a recent press release, the Tamil Nadu BJP expressed deep concerns over the DMK government’s approach to industrial development, citing potential threats to agricultural lands and the livelihoods of farmers. The BJP accuses the DMK of consistently attempting to acquire fertile agricultural lands for the establishment of industrial estates, thereby leaving farmers in a constant state of tension.
The BJP applauds its role in welcoming and supporting the establishment of numerous new industries in Tamil Nadu, contributing to increased employment opportunities for the youth. However, the party questions the DMK’s intentions behind destroying agricultural lands for industrial growth.
Highlighting past incidents, the press release mentions the DMK’s unsuccessful attempt in 2022 to acquire 4,000 acres of agricultural land in the Annur area of Coimbatore district for the SIPCOT project. Strong opposition from the public and the BJP led to the halting of land acquisition. Similarly, in Tiruvannamalai district, the DMK government faced opposition when attempting to acquire agricultural land, resulting in farmers being booked under the Goondas Act. The BJP’s intervention led to the dropping of the Goondas case.
The press release discloses ongoing efforts by the DMK to acquire approximately 400 acres of agricultural land in Pullur village near Thittakudi in Cuddalore district. The Tamil Nadu BJP, the first to voice opposition, submitted a petition on 15 December 2023, to the Deputy Tahsildar of Thittakudi Taluk on behalf of Cuddalore District BJP Executives. The petition raises concerns about the impact on 163 farmers cultivating crops such as paddy, sugarcane, sorghum, and cassava. It emphasises the potential threat to livelihoods and questions the necessity of destroying agricultural lands when nearby industrial parks remain underutilised.
The BJP draws attention to the contradiction between the DMK’s actions and the initiatives of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who allocated approximately ₹2,900 crore to enhance agriculture through the Krishi Sinchayee Yojana. While the BJP acknowledges the importance of industrial development, it urges the DMK to reconsider its approach, suggesting the use of government-owned lands with no agricultural utility for industrial estates.
The press release concludes by urging the DMK government to abandon plans to destroy agricultural lands, emphasising the need to utilise existing industrial estates and avoid keeping farmers in a constant state of tension. The BJP asserts that the DMK’s focus on industrial growth at the expense of agriculture is both dangerous and questionable in motive.
விவசாயிகளை எப்போதும் பதட்ட நிலையில் வைத்திருக்கும் ஊழல் திமுக அரசு..
– மாநில தலைவர் திரு.@annamalai_k அவர்கள் pic.twitter.com/WfjHAwkysx
— BJP Tamilnadu (@BJP4TamilNadu) December 27, 2023
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