Jaitapur was among the 17 pacts signed between India and France during PM Modi's visit to Paris
The signing of agreement between India and France for fast-tracking the stalled nuclear power project in Jaitapur in Maharashtra is likely to increase tensions between Shiv Sena and BJP, which govern the state together. The project was among the 17 pacts signed between the two countries during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Paris.
"We can appeal to the government. Farmers' concerns should be taken into consideration on Jaitapur nuclear power project. If public protests against it, then the Shiv Sena will support public," Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut said.
But the Sena's participation in the BJP-led government - both in the state and at Centre - has given ammo to its critics who accuse the party of misleading the people.
"Shiv Sena is misleading the people. They oppose the Jaitapur project but they have ministers in central Cabinet. They seek votes in the name of opposing the project but continue to remain in the government," said Narayan Rane, a former Shiv Sena leader who is now in Congress.
"What kind of opposition is this? Stay in power and oppose?" Mr Rane added.
The BJP, meanwhile, has made it clear that there is no going back on the project. "Prime Minister Modi and his government are working strongly towards the progress of the country. If there is any confusion, it will be cleared," BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis too welcomed the agreement. "Whatever decision Prime Minister Narendra Modi takes on this issue (Jaitapur) will be the right one. Nuclear energy is a necessity," he said.
The Jaitapur project, where French company Areva is to set up six nuclear reactors with total power generation capacity of about 10,000 MW, is stuck for long because of differences over the cost of electricity to be generated.
Jaitapur has witnessed massive protests over the setting up of the nuclear power plant. But with the Shiv Sena almost sidelined on the issue, it may have very little room for maneuver.