Vayalar Ravi calls on CM Karunanidhi

Chennai, May 2: Union Parliamentary Affairs and Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi, who has been appointed by the Congress High Command as Coordinator of party affairs in Tamil Nadu, today called on Chief Minister M Karunanidhi.

Later, talking to waiting reporters, Mr Ravi described the 30-minute meeting at the Gopalapuram residence of Mr Karunanidhi, as a courtesy call.

''Since I am coming to the city for the first time after being appointed as the Coordinator, I decided to call on him,'' he said, adding that various issues were discussed during the meeting.

About the State Government's plans to set up Special Economic Zonessez, Mr Ravi said farmers should not be affected while acquiring lands for SEZs.

Observing that any industrial development should take place with people's and farmers' acceptance, he said the ryots should be given compensation for the lands acquired at prevailing market rates.

''The Government should also ensure proper rehabilitation of the farmers displaced by the SEZs,'' he added.

UNI