MARGAO
Asserting that second colonization of Goa is presently underway in the state, Goa Forward Party Chief Vijai Sardesai on Friday questioned the government’s decision to spend a whopping Rs two crore to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Goa’s Liberation at the Azad Maidan, Panaji, on December 19, when the second Covid wave is anticipated by December and many restrictions are still in place.
He also challenged the government to arrest him and his party colleagues for taking part in the Chandor anti-coal agitation, demanding that the government should first book ruling party MLAs before laying hands on the common citizens for taking part in the agitation.
Sardesai further said the government should come clear on Mhadei water dispute and the deliberation the Karnataka interlocutor had with the Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.
Addressing the media after a meeting of the Party’s Political Affairs Committee, Sardesai said “after colonization by the Portuguese, Goa is now witnessing a second colonization with the influx of outsiders in the state. Goa needs a second Liberation.”
He said the government intends to spend Rs two crore on the Liberation Day celebration on December 19 and further spend Rs 100 crore on the year-long anniversary celebrations. “When there are restrictions on funerals and gatherings because of Covid, why is the government in such a hurry to spend crores of rupees on the Liberation anniversary celebrations?” he questioned.
On the coal issue, Sardesai said that Chief Minister Pramod Sawant is fooling the people by saying the government will reduce 50 per cent coal handling. “Coal handling has come down by 50 per cent because of the pandemic and the Chief Minister is trying to take mileage. Coal handling has to stop. If Karnataka wants coal, that state should get the coal from Mangalore or other ports,” he said.
While saying that Cortalim MLA Alina Saldanha should quit the BJP if the government has taken a decision contrary to her principles on environment and ecology, Sardesai said the Goa Forward will stand by the people in opposing coal handling and transportation.
