PANAJI
Union Minister for Road Transport Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday said that revolutionary steps are been introduced in the transport system of the nation, to promote battery and ethanol operated vehicles.
“This will not only make our roads pollution free, but will make our journeys cheaper as well. The scheme will be also implemented in Goa and it will boost tourism activities,” said Gadkari.
He was addressing a BJP meeting near Mahalaxmi temple in Panaji late Wednesday evening to drum up support for Panaji constituency's BJP candidate Siddharth Kuncolienkar.
Others present at the function included Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, BJP leader Shaina N C, Kuncolienkar, Dr Rufino Monteiro, former mayor Vaidehi Naik, Shubham Chodankar, Pundalik Raut Desai, Sheetal Naik and Menino D'Cruz.
Citing the instance of Vidarbha in Maharashtra, Gadkari said it has shown the world that farmer can produce ethanol from sugarcane. “We can convert the buses and other public transport to run on ethanol, which is a green fuel,” he said.
According to Gadkari, alternate fuel could also be generated from rice straw, wheat straw, cotton straw and used sugarcane waste.
“Farmers can generate fuel in this country and thereby, decreasing our dependency on global fuel supplies,” he pointed out.
The union minister claimed that only BJP could provide a stable government in Goa.
“You must be aware of the number of chief ministers that were there before the BJP government. Instability mars development of the State and if you want progress, the BJP is only option. We will give you corruption free and transparent government,” promised Gadkari.
Hitting out at the Dhavalikar brothers, Parrikar accused them of being greedy to remain always in power.
"They first had ties with the Congress and later with us. But this time, they will be definitely be in the opposition,” said Parrikar, adding that though the BJP had a clear majority, two ministerial berths were given to MGP only to respect the alliance between the two parties. He appealed to voters to elect Kuncolienkar with a big margin to develop Panaji.
