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If I am Against Development and Should Resign, I would suggest Demand Be made for AK Antony also to Resign: MP

Port Blair, July 5: Countering the allegations made by the Congress Party that the Member of Parliament is anti-development based on the cancellation of Yacht Marina Project at Viper Islands, the MP A&N Islands Shri Bishnu Pada Ray today said, “If I am against development and should resign then the Congress should also demand that the Defence Minister Shri AK Antony should resign as he is the person who revoked the NOC issued by the Andaman Nicobar Command”.

“Am I so powerful to cancel any project”, asked the MP. The NOC he said has been revoked after due consideration and discussion over the issue.

“The DC has recently announced that there is a security threat to the islands. Will it not be an added threat if Viper is leased out to foreign company”.

As regards to having an area earmarked for development of Casino and Marina at Viper Island, I would ask the UPA Govt. to first earmark some area at Raj Ghat and other such places in New Delhi to overcome unemployment issue. Hundreds of people from across India come to the National Capital in search of employment. If the Govt. is so much concerned, why can’t it allot few hectares from the vast areas earmarked for the departed leaders?  Will it not hurt the sentiments of the people, asked the MP.

“If Yacht Marina is to be developed at Viper Island, why can’t some cells inside the National Memorial Cellular Jail be allotted to convert into luxury rooms for tourists”, the MP asked.

“I am not against the Yacht Marina Project. I had even suggested opening up any other Island for it. Coming to Viper Island, I have been suggesting that it be developed as a Heritage Island. I had even proposed to grant Rs. 5 Crores from the MP’s fund for developing the island as a Heritage site. Unfortunately the A&N Administration decided to do its own”, Bishnu explains.

If Viper is developed as Heritage Island, we will not only be able to pay tributes to the great freedom fighters but would be able to generate employment much more than what the Marina could have generated, the MP said.