Chennai, Sept 12:
Opposition to the proposed Secretariat complex at Pattinapakkam intensified on Friday, with the Communist Party of India announcing a protest against the project and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) demanding an all-party meeting before any work is taken up at the site.
The CPI, which is supporting the C Joseph Vijay-led TVK government from outside, said it would stage a protest at Pattinapakkam on Saturday against the proposed construction of the new Secretariat complex near the Marina. The party said the project would affect residential areas and the livelihood of fishing communities in the locality.
The protest will be led by CPI South Chennai district secretary SK Siva at 11 am near the Loop Road junction bus terminus in Pattinapakkam. CPI state secretary M Veerapandian is scheduled to address the demonstration.
The CPI demanded that the proposed project be scrapped at the present location and that an alternative site be identified. It also called for an immediate halt to all work related to the project until a suitable alternative is found.
The party said the proposed Secretariat complex would have a direct impact on people living in the fishing settlements surrounding the site. It argued that the concerns of residents and fishing communities should be taken into consideration before the government proceeds with a major administrative project.
Meanwhile, CPM state secretary P Shanmugam called for an all-party meeting to discuss the proposed Secretariat complex.
Shanmugam said the government should not rush into a decision on a project intended to serve as a long-term administrative complex. He pointed out that fishing villages around the proposed site had already expressed strong opposition.
He also questioned the proposal to shift the Secretariat and Assembly outside Chennai when major government offices are presently located within the city.
The CPM leader said the government should convene an all-party meeting and identify a location acceptable to all political parties and stakeholders. Until such a consensus is reached, he demanded that no work be undertaken at the Pattinapakkam site.
The stand taken by the two Left parties comes despite their differing political positions towards the TVK government. While the CPI has extended outside support to the government, it has now announced a street protest against one of its major infrastructure proposals.
The opposition from the Left parties adds to the growing political debate over the proposed Secretariat complex, with concerns being raised over its location, its impact on fishing communities and the expenditure involved in constructing a new administrative complex.