Shiv Sena sticks to opposition to Jaitapur nuclear power project

Sticking to its stand against the 9,900-mw nuclear power plant in Jaitapur in coastal Maharashtra, Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray on Wednesday said the project cannot move forward without people's consent.

"Without the wishes and willingness of the villagers from Jaitapur and neighbouring villages, the project cannot get a go-ahead," Uddhav told reporters after a meeting with the delegation of project affected people led by local Sena MLA Rajan Salvi.

"If a calamity were to take place there, its effects will be felt in Mumbai too. Shiv Sena will not allow the project," he added.

Recently, a rift within those opposing the project came to fore with Pravin Gavankar, who was leading the local opposition, doing a U-turn.

"The project affected people want the project scrapped and shifted from Jaitapur. We will continue with our protest till the project gets cancelled. We are even ready to lay down our lives," said Prakash Waghdare, president of 'Madban, Jaitapur, Mithgavane Panchkroshi Samiti'.

People do not want enhanced compensation, he claimed.