the goan I network
PONDA
Stepping up their pressure, the Goa Mining People’s Front (GMPF) has threatened to block the highway at Keri-Sakhali on January 21, if the State government fails to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi by January 16.
It may be recalled that PWD Minister Sudin Dhavalikar had assured the mining dependents last week that he would seek an appointment with the PM by January 16. The mining dependents had threatened to intensify their agitation on January 17, if Dhavalikar failed to meet the PM.
Referring to Dhavalikar’s assurance, the mining dependents said they would wait till January 16 and would then intensify their agitation by blocking the highway at Keri-Sakhali.
Initially, they had decided to block the national highway at Dharbandora, but changed their plan as the Anmod Ghat is partially closed for vehicles.
Sawaikar clarifies ‘non-availability’ of MPs
PONDA: Claiming they had not avoided mining dependents at their residences, South Goa MP Adv. Narendra Sawaikar clarified that they are in New Delhi to attend the two-day national convention scheduled in Delhi from January 11.
“I am saddened by allegations of the mining dependents, who had been to my residence and the residence of Rajya Sabha MP Vinay Tendulkar, that we had avoided them at our residences.”
“It is public knowledge that since December 11, we have been in New Delhi due to the Parliament session that concluded on Wednesday. Further, the BJP national convention is scheduled in New Delhi on January 11 and 12. In view of this convention, we couldn’t come to Goa,” clarified Sawaikar.
Sawaikar claimed that neither office bearers nor leaders of the mining dependents informed them about the morcha.
“I would like to assert and reiterate that we, the BJP leadership and government is committed to resumption of mining within the legal framework. We appeal to people not to be swayed by insinuations or false, unsubstantiated allegations, as they will not deter us from our commitment,” Sawaikar said.
Despite efforts, Tendulkar could not be contacted for his comments in the matter.
