Tamil Nadu: BJP promises anti-conversion law, 1 lakh dams

Unveiling a roadmap to resolve the irrigation and drinking water crisis in Tamil Nadu, the BJP’s “vision document” for the Assembly election promises the establishment of one lakh check dams across Cauvery and other rivers. If the party is voted to power, it would also would enact an anti-conversion law and free temples from all encroachments within six months.

“It is not an election manifesto released by any political party. It is a vision document which the BJP aims to implement upon capturing power,” BJP national secretary H. Raja, who was instrumental in drafting the document, said on Thursday evening. “Successive Dravidian parties only tweaked the Tamil pride but did precious little for the well-being of the Tamils. Unlike them, we don’t want to make false promises. We are unveiling a plan for development and welfare of the people of Tamil Nadu,” he said.

Asserting that it was prudent to have a vision document in place, Union road transport, highways and shipping minister Nitin Gadkari, who released the document here, said the top priority of the Narendra Modi-led NDA government at the Centre was to develop waterways, railways and roads. “These could not only accelerate economic growth but also create jobs,” he added.

The check dams, to be modelled on the projects in BJP-ruled states, will help recharge the groundwater level and in addition enhance the extent of catchment areas. The BJP would remove all encroachments from water bodies and also inter-link all rivers in the state.