Maoists Hindering Land Acquisition in Chhattisgarh: Raman

On the Jharkhand campaign trail for his party – BJP, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh on Saturday blamed Maoists of impeding the acquisition of about 1,800 acres of land required by Tata Steel to commence work on five million tonne integrated greenfield steel plant, it plans to build in the state.

Singh, addressing a news conference in Jamshedpur, said ultra-left outfits were inciting villagers against parting with their land for the project that is expected to come up at an estimated cost of around 19000 crore.

Singh, however, said there was a marked improvement in the situation and that 80 per cent compensation had been disbursed.

He expressed optimism that the required land would soon be acquired.