BJP supports SEZs, says they increase production

The BJP is objecting to the acquisition of fertile land for creating Special Economic Zones..

The BJP on Tuesday came out in support of Special Economic Zones (SEZs), calling them a contributor to national growth but cautioned against their coming up on agriculture land.

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The saffron party, which is trying to woo farmers with a high-pitched attack on the Centre for its handling of the agricultural sector, said it was also studying complaints over SEZs.

In power in eight states, the BJP said it believed SEZs would lead to increase in economic growth.

After a meeting of a special committee on SEZs, which he heads, senior BJP leader M Venkaiah Naidu insisted that the policy, which Congress chief Sonia Gandhi has urged caution on, was a brainchild of his party.

"We in principle are in favour of SEZs. ... SEZs will lead to an increase in the GDP," Naidu said.

He maintained that SEZs would also help prevent manpower export from India. "We are open-minded... We favour SEZs," Naidu said, adding his party, however, believed there should be simultaneously no "scope of abuse" while setting up such zones.

The BJP, Naidu said, was not in favour of acquisition of fertile land for creating SEZs.

He said the BJP would hold meetings with officials of the CII, ASSOCHAM and FICCI as also with farmers for a broad view on SEZs.