Chennai: Questioning the credibility of the committee set up by the Centre to examine the Sethusamudram Project, AIADMK chief Jayalalithaa today demanded that a "truly impartial and competent" panel, comprising representatives of various disciplines, be formed.

She said the committee constituted could hardly be described as a committee of experts as was being claimed by the Centre. "At least three of the members are historians who can only vouch for the historical validity of the Rama legend," she said in a statement here. "One represents NEERI, which being an interested party, is bound to have biased views. One member, R S Sharma, is a witness in the Ram Janmabhoomi case. Committee Chairman S Ramachandran has already expressed his views publicly supporting the project. He cannot be expected to take a different or unbiased view now," she added.

Jayalalithaa said there were no social scientists, maritime experts, defence personnel, oceanographers and economists in the committee to discuss the problems of coastal people, navigational issues, security concerns, the ocean currents and the economy-related issues. "These conspicuous and glaring omissions raise serious doubts about the credibility of the committee and the possible veracity of its report," she added.

The AIADMK supremo demanded that a competent panel, including experts of various disciplines, hold a transparent public debate and the views of all be recorded. She alleged that the project was a money-spinner for Chief Minister M Karunanidhi and Union Minister T R Baalu and it would be of little use to the nation.

Source : PTI