Khaunte says people feel betrayed by their MLAs
To begin opinion poll on coconut tree today
THE GOAN NETWORK
MAPUSA
Latching onto the latest political weapon “ the coconut tree “ to slam the ruling BJP-led government, independent legislator from Porvorim, Rohan Khaunte, on Monday said he will be holding an opinion poll on the issue of coconut trees in Goa.
“On the eve of India’s 67th Republic Day, I will be starting an opinion poll in Goa on the issue of coconut trees. The Goa government has hurt the sentiments of the people by reclassifying it as grass,” Khaunte said.
He said majority of the members in the House of 40 had passed the bill in the recent winter session in the assembly.
“The people of Goa feel betrayed by their elected representatives and are hurt by the action of the government. Apart from a major symbolic relevance, the coconut tree has a number of important uses that are being overlooked,” he said.
Opposing the move for declassification of the coconut tree, Khaunte proposed that the coconut tree be protected by demanding 'Special Status for the Kalpavruksha.'
“Goans can give a missed call on 9328832001 to register their vote and express their opinion,” the MLA said.
“These records with a petition demanding a special status will be submitted to the chief minister and the forest minister,” he said.
