the goan I network
PONDA
Did threats by the mining dependents compel Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari to cancel his Goa visit, where he was scheduled to inaugurate the Khandepar Bridge on December 23?
In a press note, the government stated that Gadakari had cancelled his Goa visit due to “unavoidable circumstances”.
In his absence, Minister of State for Transport and Highways, Shipping, Chemicals and Fertilisers Mansukh Mandaviya will inaugurate the Khandepar Bridge on December 23 at 7 pm, in the presence of PWD Minister Sudin Dhavalikar, Union AYUSH Minister Shripad Naik, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane, Ponda MLA Ravi Naik, Sanvordem MLA Deepak Pauskar, Rajya Sabha MP Vinay Tendulkar and South Goa MP Adv Narendra Sawaikar.
At a meeting on Wednesday, the Goa Mining People’s Front (GMPF) had decided to protest at the Khandepar bridge to embarrass central leaders visiting the State for their failure to take up their cause. They had also decided to inaugurate the new Khandepar bridge by senior citizens, ahead of the official inauguration by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on December 23.
According to sources, one legislator from the mining belt tried his best to pacify the mining dependents and tried to persuade them not protest when Gadkari would inaugurate the bridge, but the mining dependents remained firm on their decision.
“If Dhavalikar wants, he can also put pressure on the government to restart mining. But this has not happened. Then why should we listen to his friend and cancel our planned protest,” asked the source.
When contacted, GMPF Convenor Puti Gaonkar said they would protest in large numbers at Khandepar. “We are firm on our decision. Let anyone come to inaugurate the bridge,” he said.
Asked if their threats had compelled Gadkari to cancel his visit, Gaonkar replied that they are not aware of the details.
“I don’t know why he is not coming. But we will gather that day and will decide about the inauguration of the bridge by senior citizens. We will also place our demands before
anyone who comes there to officially inaugurate the bridge,” said Gaonkar.
President of Dharbandora Taluka Truck Owners Association Balaji Gauns said the BJP had only been giving them assurances since the last four years.
“No concrete step has been taken by them. On Sunday, we will protest and will ask the central and state leaders on what they have done so far for the resumption of mining,” Gauns said.
