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Allies target BJP over Nanar project in Maharashtra
Mumbai, April 12 (IANS) After the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project (JNPP), the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party was targeted on Thursday by its allies, Shiv Sena and Maharashtra Swabhimana Party (MSP) over the upcoming Nanar refinery project coming up in coastal Ratnagiri.
MSP President Narayan Rane, who recently was elected to the Rajya Sabha as a NDA nominee, made it clear that “we shall not allow the project to come up at any cost”.
Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray said in a statement that “we shall not permit the project to happen under any circumstances” and accused Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of going back on his assurances.
The political heat was generated a day after a consortium comprising three major Indian oil marketing companies – IOCL, BPCL and HPCL signed a MoU with Saudi Arabian Oil Co, (Saudi Aramco), for setting up India’s biggest oil refinery and petroleum products complex in the eco-sensitive Ratnagiri.
When completed, the Rs 3 trillion complex at Nanar will be the world’s biggest single-location oil refinery project with a capacity to process 60 million tonnes annually.
While Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Fadnavis had earlier assured that the project would be good for Maharashtra, Fadnavis said later it would not be pushed through without the consent of the local population.
“The CM has categorically stated that this destructive project will not come up in the Konkan as the locals are against it. This is not only treachery, but shows that his word has no value in Delhi,” Thackeray said sharply.
He said during discussions with Fadnavis, it was made clear to him not to destroy the uniqueness of Konkan under the guise of development and stop the destruction of mango orchards and bamboo plantations.
“He should have firmly declared that he will not sit quiet if injustice is perpetrated on the people. However, he seems to have ‘surrendered’, but Shiv Sena will not allow this project,” Thackeray declared.
This is the second mega-project with international collaboration – JNPP with French and Nanar with Saudi help onn which the Shiv Sena and now also the MSP, has crossed swords with the rulling party.
Besides, several NGOs, villagers, farmers, fisherfolk and anti-nuke activists are also opposed to both projects coming up in the lush green Konkan region renowned for its Alphonso mangoes, cashewnuts and other fruits.
JNPP plans to construct six 1,650-MW nuclear reactors to generate 9,900-MW power at Madhban village in Ratnagiri, which would be the biggest in the world in terms of net electrical power rating.
–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.