PANAJI
A day after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP of stoking communal tension, State Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao claimed that any attempts by the BJP and the Hindu right-wing RSS to disrupt communal tension have been resisted by the people of Goa.
Addressing a press conference today, Alemao too echoed deliberate attempts to create communal disharmony.
“BJP and the RSS have been attempting to disrupt communal harmony and incite tensions. Goans are aware of the Goa government's strategies to divert attention from pressing issues such as conversions, land deals and the Mhadei,” he said.
“BJP’s blueprint to create discord was foiled by harmonious Goans who upheld brotherhood among all communities, be it Hindus, Catholics, or Muslims,” he added as protests demanding arrest of absconding Hindu leader Subhash Velignkar over his offensive remarks against St Francis Xavier subsided.
Alemao further expressed gratitude to all Goans for their solidarity in maintaining peace and unity within the State.
The LoP also condemned the lathi charge against protestors and the assault on The Goan’s photo journalist Santosh Mirajkar. He also demanded the withdrawal of cases filed against the protesting citizens.
On the other issue surrounding the Cuncolim Industrial Estate, Alemao sought for stricter oversight of industrial estates in Goa, particularly at Cuncolim. He raised concerns about non-functional effluent treatment plants (ETPs) and alleged that the government is favouring certain industrialists while neglecting public safety.
“The government made a mockery of citizens by imposing a meagre Rs 7,000 fine on polluting industries at Cuncolim IDC where these same industries generate crores of rupees. After paying the fine, they resume operations without rectification,” he alleged warning of legal action.
