AIADMK, which supported the Sethu Samudram canal project (SSCP) and included it in its poll manifesto in the past, was now opposing it, charged Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader M Karunanidhi.
Addressing a public meeting organised by the party as part of his 90th birthday celebrations here on Saturday, he said “Not only the DMK, but also the AIADMK had assured the implementation of the SSCP in the past in their respective election manifestoes.”
However, the AIADMK was now opposing the project, he said, adding, “They are bent upon stalling the project, which was part of their manifestoes in the past.”
The DMK patriarch said he was also pained at the opposition from some sections of the State for the project, stating that the Adams bridge was ‘Ramar’ bridge.
He called upon all sections of the people to support the struggle of the DMK for the implementation of the SSCP.
Karunanidhi said that his party would continue its struggle till the project was implemented. Rallies to be taken out by partymen across the State on July 8 (Monday) would urge the Centre to expedite the implementation of the project.
Referring to the affidavit filed in the Supreme Court, Karunanidhi said his party would also appeal to the State government not to put legal hurdles for the project.
The DMK chief said that if the project was put in place, it would bring prosperity to the State. “The project will pave the way for augmenting the handling capacity of ports along the coast of Tamil Nadu, starting from Thoothukudi to Cuddalore and all of them would become major ports”, he said.