MARGAO
A huge storm is brewing in South Goa over reports of the Navy taking over Dabolim airport and shutting down the Portuguese-era airport for commercial and civilian operations, with Opposition parties issuing a stern warning to the BJP government to come clean on Dabolim airport’s future or face an unprecedented stir.
In New Delhi, South Goa MP Captain Viriato Fernandes dashed off a letter to Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh regarding the airport. He later told the media outside Parliament that reliable sources had informed him that the government had put up the file for the closure of Dabolim Airport for civilian use.
Back home, the Congress, Goa Forward Party and the Aam Aadmi Party slammed the BJP government for allegedly working in collusion with GMR to shut down Dabolim airport. These political parties have told Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to come clean on the Dabolim Airport issue or face a massive stir from next week.
Expressing shock and surprise over the file reportedly being moved by the Navy to shut Dabolim airport for civilian use, Leader of the Opposition Yuri Alemao demanded an immediate clarification from the Chief Minister and the Defence Minister on the status of Dabolim airport.
Congress Quepem MLA Altone D’Costa warned the BJP that the people of South Goa will not sit quietly and watch the BJP shut down Dabolim airport to benefit GMR.
Goa Forward Chief Vijai Sardesai also attacked the government, giving the Chief Minister and Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho a week’s time to come clean on the status of Dabolim airport.
Demanding the immediate resignation of Godinho as the MLA representing the Dabolim constituency, Sardesai warned of a massive agitation to protect what he termed a symbol of Goan identity.
Aam Aadmi Party Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas warned that the people of Goa, keeping aside their political and ideological differences, will hit the streets if any attempt is made to shut Dabolim airport.
He demanded a white paper from the “double-engine” BJP government to reassure the people of Goa that Dabolim will not be shut and handed over to corporates entering the defence sector.
