Is there nothing wrong with shifting the Pune bench of the National Green Tribunal? Law Minister of the State, Francis D'Souza argues that the Centre is well within its rights to do so. But if the senior BJP member lives by the Goenkar and Goenkarponn tag, he should come out and explain the reasons behind such an abrupt decision, rather than trying to get into unnecessary controversy. In view of D'Souza's defence, he needs to tell Goans and especially the Greens, if there was a proposal from the State government or if the Centre acted in its own supreme wisdom. Goans want to know from the law minister.
In a bizarre comparison, D'Souza likens the Supreme Court in Delhi to moving the NGT to Delhi, while justifying his reasoning. Then, going by the law minister's logic, why should Goa be the target and not other States? If D'Souza has any concern for Goenkarponn, it will be appreciated if he could explain, from his inner BJP circles, the rationale behind this move. The Greens have been our foot soldiers and the decision literally means pushing them an extra mile and thus discouraging them in the pursuit of justice. D'Souza should also realise the fact that the High Court has taken suo motu cognizance of the decision of the ministry and stayed it till disposal of the case. It's a crying shame for those trying to score brownie points by defending the decision.
