The former chief minister and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray paid a visit to Barsu village in Ratnagiri district on Saturday (May 6), where residents are opposed to an oil refinery project. In support of the protesters, Thackeray stated that when his party, the local villagers in Nanar (referred to a similar refinery issue) the project was forced to halt.
"We made it clear at the time that we are neither supporting nor opposing the refinery, but that the sentiments of the local villagers should be respected. That is exactly what we are doing," Uddhav was quoted by news agency ANI as saying.
Questioning the purpose of the project, Uddhav asked: "If this project is so good, why are Police personnel from all over the state being deployed in Barsu?"
Interacting with villagers in Barsu, Thackeray challenged the Maharashtra government, led by Eknath Shinde, to face the protesters and support the project, saying, "Like I came among you today, the 'suparibaaz' should also come here and give a presentation of the project before people." If people oppose the project, I will join them on Shiv Sena's behalf," he added, PTI reported.
Thackeray, who had planned to hold a rally in Barsu but was denied permission by the administration, will speak to locals who are opposed to the multibillion-dollar refinery project, he had said.
Thackeray also visited an ancient rock-art site in Barsu and stated that he requested that it be designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site during his tenure as chief minister.
Thackeray later said at a press conference, "I had given a letter (recommending Barsu) through some understanding or misunderstanding." That was not my final approval". He said there are still unanswered questions about the types of jobs available to locals and whether they will be permanent.
Barsu Refinery Row:
Protests erupted in Barsu, about 400 kilometres south of Mumbai, after soil testing for the refinery project began last month.
The Maharashtra Industries Minister, Uday Samant, claimed that the opposition was deliberately creating confusion about the project.
Owners of 2,900 acres of the 5,000 acres required for the refinery have already given consent letters for acquisition, he claimed.
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde stated last month that the project will not be implemented without the consent of the local people.
On Thursday, the Maharashtra government informed the Bombay High Court that it would withdraw two orders prohibiting eight people from entering their villages in Ratnagiri district or making social media comments opposing the proposed Barsu refinery project.
The state government barred the eight people from entering their villages until May 31, 2023, in two orders dated April 22 and April 25, 2023, as well as from posting any comment or remark on social media that would cause confusion or incite a law and order situation there.