Ministers request Seer to defer hunger protest

Ministers request Seer to defer hunger protest

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, Feb 27: The government has requested Pejawar Seer Shri Vishweshateertha Swamiji not to begin his hunger protest against land acquisition for MSEZ till the end of the state legislature session. The Swamiji intended to commence his hunger protest on March 6 demanding that the government must not use fertile agricultural land for industrial purposes. 

Murgesh Nirani, the major industries minister, and V S Acharya, the home minister, met the Seer on Friday at Vidyapeetha, Bangalore and requested him to give up the idea of going on a hunger protest. The home minister assured the Seer that the government had no intention of acquiring fertile land for industrial purposes. 

Later, the Swamiji told reporters of Deccan Herald that he has decided to wait till the end of the legislature session since the ministers cannot make any statement till then. The legislature session is scheduled to conclude on March 26. 

Speaking about the government’s land acquisition plan for SEZ, the Seer said that the ministers had informed them that SEZ required 2,500 acres of land, of which the government has already acquired 1,800 acres and requires another 750 acres. He said that the ministers will hold a meeting after the legislature session and explain the exact situation. 

The Seer said that he will not get involved in the BMICP case because he does not like “to get caught in politics.” He is of the opinion that that, since all three parties are involved in the project, the original agreement must be followed.