NEW DELHI, November 21: Gujarat Chief Minister Dilip Parikh today ruled out any talks with Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) leader Medha Patkar, on the Sardar Sarovar project.

``We have rehabilitated the project affected persons to the best of our abilities. There is no question of any further discussion with the NBA,'' Parikh said. The Chief Minister said that work on the controversial project would commence as soon as the Supreme Court takes a decision on the height of the project. He was addressing a press conference on the occasion of ``Gujarat Day celebrations'' at the ongoing India International Trade Fair '97 here.

``Completion of the project (Sardar Sarovar) is very essential'' for ensuring supply of potable water and adequate power to all villages of the state, he said.

Asked whether the Rashtriya Janata Party would join the Congress, he said, ``We have not been approached by the Congress party so far.'' He said that his party supported the stand of the Congress party in the present political crisis at the Centre. When asked whether there will be an alliance between RJP and Congress in the event of a mid-term election, the Gujarat Chief Minister said, ``We will discuss everything in the co-ordination committee. There is always scope for adjustment.''

Parikh, who met Finance Minister P Chidambaram and Civil Aviation Minister a M Ibrahim this morning said he has sought more royalty from the Centre for oil and natural gas. The Centre has also approved Rs 33 crore for the upgradation of the Ahmedabad airport, Parikh said.

He said the State government has identified 10 new ports out of which six will be in the private sector and four in joint sector.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.