Barsu refinery project | Allotted land, but plan was to go ahead with consent of residents, says Uddhav Thackeray

Thackeray was criticised by the state government’s ministers and leaders for allotting the land during his tenure and later opposing the project.

Thackeray said that the way irregularities took place while purchasing land in Nanar village (where the refinery was proposed earlier) same thing was now happening in Barsu-Solgaon.

“The brokers (real estate) purchased the land earlier (in cheaper price) from the original owner of the land and now these brokers will get the compensation after that land is acquired for the refinery,” he said.

Thackeray added, “The original owner won’t get anything. The brokers are giving approval to the refinery, but government is projecting as if local villagers have given approval to the project.”

Meanwhile Lok Sabha MP from Ratnagiri – Sindhudurg Vinayak Raut said that Uddhav Thackeray will visit Barsu village in the first week of May.

#LIVE | Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Vinayak Raut detained by Ratnagiri on way to Barsu Solgaon refinery protest; hundreds of villagers reach site for agitation

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The opposition Shiv Sena (UBT) has come out in support of the local residents and has decided to launch an agitation against the proposed refinery.

Speaking to reporters, NCP MLA and leader of opposition Ajit Pawar said that the government should work on clearing doubts in the minds of the people instead of using force. “There have been instances in the past where people opposed projects… I feel that the government should first listen to the objections of those who are opposing the project,” said Pawar. He said that the NCP is not against the development but wants to ensure that environment is not affected.