Chennai, Dec 21 (IANS) The Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) Sunday demanded speedy implementation of the controversial Sethusamudram Shipping Canal Project – a stance contrary to its newfound ally AIADMK’s position.
“Our views on the Sethusamudram project remain unaltered because mythology cannot be a viable political opposition to an endeavour that is backed by scientific reports,” senior CPI-M Politburo member Sitaram Yechury told reporters on the sidelines of a private function here.
The project involves the demolition of a part of the undersea causeway connecting India and Sri Lanka, which many in the subcontinent believeto have been built by Hindu god Ram to cross over from the Indian mainland into the island.
Answering pointed questions on the stark differences of opinion between the CPI-M and the AIADMK in the matter, he said: “Both of us know our views are different. On our part, we hope to convince the AIADMK to change its stand.”
AIADMK chief J. Jayalalitha has opposed the project stayed by the Supreme Court for several months now as “an attack on Hindu beliefs and an unscientific project that would cause environmental catastrophes”.