Sunday, April 9 2006 11:50 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Surat: Leader of Opposition L K Advani today (Apr 09, 2006) said the controversial Sardar Sarovar project, against which the Narmada Bachao Andolan is spearheading a campaign, was in the interest of the people of Gujarat.

While refusing to term NBA leader Medha Patkar as a 'terrorist', he told sources here that "the dam is according to the desire of the people of Gujarat and in their interest. It is being built as per the height prescribed by the Supreme Court. Any hindrance to its construction is not proper."

Stating that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has spoken to Chief Minister Narendra Modi in this regard, he expressed confidence that the dam would be completed at the earliest.

The senior BJP leader also expressed concern over the reported vandalisation of a major temple under construction in Minnesota, USA.

Built by the Hindu Society of Minnesota at Mapple Grove near Minneapolis at a cost of nine million dollars, the temple was scheduled to be consecrated in June and the idols were specially transported from India.

"I urge the American Government to bring the culprits to book and also to ensure that such crimes of bigotry are not perpetrated on religious minorities in the USA," Advani said.