Monday, April 17 2006 13:00 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Ahmedabad: Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a 51-hour hunger strike over the Narmada dam height issue, today (Apr 17, 2006) hinted that he may withdraw the strike this evening in view of the Supreme Court's observation on the Sardar Sarovar project.

Modi, who has been supporting the continuation of construction, made the announcement on receiving preliminary information that the apex court has decided not to grant a stay on the work, as demanded by a group of anti-dam agitators, including Narmada Bachao Andolan activists.

"According to preliminary information received here, the Supreme Court has favoured the work on the dam to continue," Modi told reporters.

"However, I will wait for the Supreme Court to give the final verdict on the issue before calling off my hunger strike at seven in the evening," he added.

Modi, sitting on a hunger strike at the Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation (GMDC) grounds since yesterday, said "Work on the Narmada project will continue with full steam while ensuring simultaneous rehabilitation work".

"The Sardar Sarovar project represents a major milestone for developed India and therefore, we will ensure that the work is not stopped," Modi said adding that the government also believed in humanitarian aspects so the rehabilitation issue is not sidelined.