Minister says recent hostility toward non-Goans may seriously impact Goa’s tourism-driven economy
Karnataka Minister for Women Development and Child Welfare Lakshmi Hebbalkar addresses media in Belagavi.
Photo Credits: Louis Rodrigues
BELAGAVI
Karnataka Minister for Women Development and Child Welfare Lakshmi Hebbalkar has warned that Goa’s economy would suffer if there is no mutual exchange of trade and tourism between Goa and Karnataka, more so between Belagavi, Karwar, Hubballi and Goa.
Reacting to certain incidents of people from Karnataka and other states being targeted in Goa, she also stated that there is no need for Karnataka to politicise the Mhadei water diversion issue. Hebbalkar was speaking to reporters after attending a program at KLE Society in Belagavi on Friday.
"Goa is heavily dependent on other states. If people from Karnataka and elsewhere stop visiting for tourism, the state will struggle to function," Hebbalkar said.
Stressing upon the strong interdependence between Goa and Karnataka, Hebbalkar stated, “Goans regularly visit Karnataka for various needs, and likewise, people from Karnataka travel to Goa for tourism. Without this mutual exchange, Goa’s economy will suffer."
Criticising recent incidents of targeting people from other states in Goa, she said, “Such attacks are wrong. State governments should not remain silent; they must intervene and ensure corrective action.”
Responding to Goa CM Pramod Sawant’s statement that Karnataka is politicising the Mhadei issue, she retorted, “Karnataka has no need to politicise drinking water, education, or healthcare. We take the Mhadei issue very seriously.”
She also accused the Karnataka BJP of misleading the people of Karnataka on the Mhadei issue. “During the Lok Sabha elections, they claimed victory over the issue, saying the tribunal gave a verdict, the Centre cleared it, and Goa agreed. They distributed sweets and celebrated. But now, they have no answers,” she remarked.
