PANAJI
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Monday questioned the timing and motive behind the ‘Goyant Kollso Naka’ protest, hinting that it may be politically motivated ahead of the elections.
Speaking to the media, Sawant dismissed the renewed protests against coal transportation in Goa, stating that neither the Central nor the State government has proposed any plan to increase coal handling or transportation through the State.
He said that existing operations at the Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) would continue as they are and clarified that “not a single tonne will be added to the current capacity.”
“Then why the protest?” he asked, suggesting that the agitation was not based on facts.
“I don’t think this was about coal… it must be something else… elections are near,” the Chief Minister remarked.
His comments came a day after a public meeting, where citizens and opposition leaders gathered under the banner of “Gõyant Kôllso Naka” to oppose the ongoing double-tracking of railway lines and coal transportation through the State.
