Raju singled out the Communist parties for criticism and said due to such opposition to development schemes, the two parties had lost their support in Tamil Nadu. Speaking to the media at Udangudi in south Tamil Nadu, he said that the Communist parties would demand the opening of industries to provide employment. However, after the industries started functioning they would create workers’ problems.

The minister said the Centre had sanctioned Rs 10,000 crores for the green corridor project and added that people are giving their lands for the project. The works for the project had already began and there could not be a contrary opinion on the need for the project, he said.

Tamilisai, speaking to the media in Chennai also backed the project and accused the opposition of spreading false information about it. She said that people are saying that the hills on the way would be destroyed to make way for the road, but it is not true. The project is progressing as per norms and none of the hills would be affected. The road would be laid at least 150 metres away from all the hills, she added.

She said a tunnel would be dug in Salem only to protect the residential areas. The tunnel would save at least 50,000 houses in Salem. She said the road would reduce 30 per cent traffic congestion and prevent accidents in the Chennai-Salem route.