Opposing acquisition of fertile and multi-crop land for setting up industries, CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat on Saturday suggested Orissa chief minister Naveen Patnaik to hold talks with farmers before going ahead with the proposed Posco steel project.
“I have requested the Chief Minister to talk to the people who are likely to be affected due to Posco project. Unless farmers agree to sacrifice their lands, no force should be used,” Ms. Karat told newsmen after meeting Mr. Patnaik at the state secretariat.
“The Chief Minister assured me that he would consider the concerns of CPI(M) on the Posco issue,” she said.
CPI(M), she said, was opposed to forceful land acquisition and was against any proposal of setting up industries on fertile land.
Ms. Karat also submitted a memorandum of All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA) to the Chief Minister demanding bank linkage to women self help groups and loan at four per cent interest.
“We also requested the chief minister for provision of salary for shakti sahayaks earlier appointed to help rural women to form SHGs,” AIDWA state secretary Tapasi Praharaj said.
