the goan I network
PANAJI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi may periodically hold roadshows and popularity showcasing events in foreign lands but here in Goa, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and his cabinet colleague Michael Lobo are questioning the role of non-resident Indians (NRIs) of Goan origin for raising issues, apparently through social media, of mis-governance and instances where the government is seen as falling short.
On Saturday at a public function, Lobo accused expat Goans of propagating a “false narrative” about what’s going on in their native State and alleged that it is poisoning the minds of Goa residents. Earlier on Saturday, Sawant too had publicly displayed his annoyance at multiple anti-government litigations. At the official function to inaugurate the 7-odd kilometer bypass road between Canacona and Karwar, Sawant said: “We will have to look into who funds the court matters of these activists.”
Greens in Goa have for long been accused by the political class of being funded by the strong in numbers Goan expat community.
While Sawant’s jibe was subtle, Lobo was more direct when he said at a business event in the capital city that those Goans who have migrated to Portugal or the UK cannot comment on what’s going on in Goa because they don’t belong to the State anymore.
He said, those who have left Goa’s shores and are only ‘Overseas Citizens of India’ should instead of focusing on the State be more concerned of their surroundings in London and Portugal. He added, that some do get carried away by such “wrong messages” being spread.
“Somebody has to stand and answer them (expats). I am there for that purpose. I will stand and answer these people, because if we do not put our foot down and send a strong message to these people, they will continue to poison the minds of Goans,” Lobo said in his speech on Saturday evening.
When one relocates to a new country, the person cannot criticise the goings-on in his or her native land, Lobo said.
Addressing the abstract expat community at the event, Lobo further said: “When you go, do not comment on Goa because you are no longer a Goan. You are Overseas Citizens of India. You have to be more interested in what is happening in Portugal or in London. Leave Goa to us. We are here to take care of Goa. We know that you love Goa, but be positive about the State.”
