She had steered herself out of the controversy surrounding the declassification of a coconut tree by the Forest Ministry on grounds that she is bound by the Cabinet decision.
But, former forest minister, Alina Saldanha, who now holds the RDA portfolio, on Thursday sent a message clear that her late husband Matanhy Saldanha would have gone all out to protect the coconut tree. Her statement assumes significance since the BJP government had vowed to protect Matanhy’s legacy after his demise two years ago.
Alina told The Goan that Matanhy would have hugged the coconut tree and gone all out to protect and save a coconut tree. She, however, told the media that her personal views on the controversy does not count and she is bound by the Cabinet decision. But, she insisted that the coconut tree is identified with Goa and sent a communication loud and clear that a true Goemkar will not cut down a coconut tree without any reason.
“I am not holding the portfolio of the Forest Ministry any more to comment on the row surrounding the coconut tree. Now I am bound by the Cabinet decision and my personal views do not count. But, at the same time, I want to say that a coconut tree is identified with Goa and a true Goan, without any reason, will not cut down a coconut tree”, she said.
