The Centre on Wednesday assured Tamil Nadu that it would not implement any project inimical to the interests of the state and urged the government "to monitor those promoting fissiparous tendencies".
Apparently referring to the opposition to the hydrocarbon project in Pudukottai district, Minister of State for Shipping Pon Radhakrishnan said the Union Petroleum Minister had himself said he would look into it if people harboured any doubts.
"The Central government will not implement a project which people feel is inimical to the state's farming sector and its people," he said.
He noted that the hydrocarbon project was notified in 2007 and one of the sites was located in Tamil Nadu and there had been no opposition to it so far.
"There was no opposition to the project so far and all of a sudden opposition and controversy have been raised," he said.
Radhakrishnan alleged that a group was preventing people from listening to sane views on the project and urged experts to explain its pros and cons to them to dispel their fears.
Also Read
The MoS said the Prime Minister was all for implementing good projects for development of the country and these were being done. "But in Tamil Nadu, unfortunately some people are promoting fissiparous tendencies. The state government should monitor such forces," he said.
Radhakrishnan was in Kumbakonam to participate in the centenary celebrations of Bhartiya Jan Sangh leader Deendayal Upadhyay.
Earlier in the day, the Tamil Nadu government had urged those opposing the project to withdraw their over-a-week-long stir, saying it would not implement any scheme which affects the interests of farmers.
The villagers of Neduvasal in Pudukottai district are up in arms against the proposed project of the Centre. They have been protesting for more than a week with support from many sections, including students.