It is a reversal of role for the ruling DMK. The party, which had opposed the acquisition of land for infrastructural projects and expansion of roads when it was in the Opposition, finds itself in an awkward position, facing challenges and opposition from owners of lands.
The DMK opposed the Centre’s Land Acquisition Bill in 2015 and organised Statewide protests. Likewise, incumbent Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, who was the Leader of the Opposition at that time, came out strongly against the Centre for its petition in the Supreme Court seeking early hearing of an appeal challenging the Madras High Court verdict quashing the land acquisition for the Chennai-Salem expressway project. He said the Centre and the State should drop their plan of implementing the project and make a transparent announcement in this regard. He also demanded consultations with farmers and the public, and find an alternative way to implement the project without impacting the environment.
After coming to power, the DMK said it was not against the Chennai-Salem greenfield corridor project as it was projected to be. State Highway Minister E.V. Velu said the DMK was particular that the concerns raised by the farmers should be addressed first before going ahead with acquiring land for the project.
