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The Goan Network
Panjim
Insisting that the parliament could amend the law to resume mining in the state, the Congress on Thursday, slammed the government for not having done so yet.
"The Parliament has amended laws to bypass Supreme Court verdicts in the past," said former Union Law Minister and Congress spokesperson Ramakant Khalap.
"The BJP can amend the law if they want," stressed Khalap, pointing out that it was not only those employed in the mining industry, but their families too that were affected.
Meanwhile Khalap said that the non-resumption of mining in Goa was linked with the collapse in governance in the state, and asked for a full-time, working Chief Minister.
"Our demand remains the same," said Khalap, adding, "Goa needs a tangible government mechanism. In other words - give us a CM."
Khalap also reminded the allies - the Goa Forward Party, the MGP and the three independent MLAs to take note of the situation and tell Goans that they were ready for dissolution of the Assembly and an alternative solution to the current situation.
"The current strength of the house has been reduced to a mere 34, as according to what the MGP says, five MLAs are not in a position to vote, and the Speaker is not eligible to vote," reminded Khalap.
"Besides, there is an ongoing battle between the ruling dispensation and its allies. This calls for the allies to withdraw support," he said.
When asked what solution the Congress had for the resumption of mining if it were to come to power, Khalap did not give a direct response, but said that right now, it was the duty of the current dispensation to amend the law. When asked if the Congress would be able to handle the mining issue, Khalap responded, "We (as the state government) will be able to handle the issue only partly. We will need the help of the government of India and the courts as well."
