PERNEM
The Pernem BJP Block has blamed the agitating taxi operators for the delay in the allotment of a taxi counter at the Manohar International Airport at Mopa.
Addressing a news conference on Monday, Pernem BJP Block President Tulshidas Gawas said the process for the yellow-black taxi counter at the Manohar International Airport was almost completed after Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Pernem MLA Pravin Arlekar held discussions with GMR company officials, Transport Minister Mauvim Godinho and the taxi association leader Sudip Tamhankar.
“However, after the Together for Mopa Taxi Association submitted their proposal/memorandum putting some conditions on charges and concessions, the process got prolonged.”
Gawas alleged that some political leaders are trying to blow the agitation out of proportion.
“The agitators are protesting for the past six days and Arlekar had taken a stand that they should be given their legitimate taxi stand.”
“He tried to complete the process of allotting the counter. But in the meanwhile, the same protestors along with their association submitted a written proposal to the government putting some conditions. As a result, the process to allot the taxi stand was stopped and hence, the local sarpanch and leaders should not be blamed,” said Gawas.
When asked about the counter which was started in the presence of traffic officials, Gawas said the counter was private and that it too was closed following complaints by some persons.
When reminded that some transport officers were suspended, Gawas said the reason for their suspension was not known yet.
Mopa sarpanch Subodh Mahale spoke in support of Pravin Arlekar and said he does not have to resign as people had voted him to power.
Warkhand sarpanch Gauri Joshalkar said she supports the taxi operators but was not with the protesters. She hoped that the government would resolve the taxi stand issue soon.
