Nanar project becomes bone of contention between Sena-BJP

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis while reiterating his stand on Nanar refinery project, informed a Shiv Sena delegation that the final decision to set up project will be taken with consent of people of Konkan. Whereas Subhash Desai, industries minister said he took decision according to Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) act and has power of denotification.

Nanar oil refinery, a proposed project in Konkan region has become the latest bone of contention between allies BJP and Shiv Sena.

The project, which is proposed to come up at Nanar in the Rajapur tehsil of Ratnagiri district has been facing stiff opposition from the locals. The Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackery wants his leaders to raise the Nanar Refinery project issue with the government.

High drama unfolded on Monday when the Industries Minister Subhash Desai — a Shiv Sena leader — announced the cancellation of the land acquisition notification meant for the project. CM Fadnavis later snubbed Desai saying that the revocation of the notification was not the government's decision.

A delegation of the Sena ministers met CM Fadnavis on Tuesday before the state cabinet meeting and gave him letter in this regard. Following the cabinet meeting, Desai stuck to his guns and said, “I have ordered my department to initiate the process to de-notify the land acquisition notification for Nanar project. I am hopeful that soon it will be done. We have given letter to CM in this regard.”

Fadnavis while speaking with media person clarified Desai doesn’t have the power to cancel the notification. “We will take decision in the interest of Konkan and after considering opinion of local residents,” Fadnavis said.

According to sources in the CMO, the industries minister can only give a proposal to the project's committee but can't cancel the notification.