PANAJI
Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar on Sunday said he does not regret that Goa has not been granted Special Status, even as he said that the Government has tried to give its best to the State.
“I think the question of regretting doesn’t arise. We have tried our best to give the best administration and the best facilities. We have reached the nook and corner of the State, especially cent per cent deserving people. Our benefits reach over 25 per cent of the electorate every month. And, if you consider casually, almost ninety per cent of the people of this State have enjoyed the benefits of this government”, he said.
When pointed out that Special Status to Goa was one of the agendas listed in BJP’s election manifesto, he shot back asking, “Should we do a list of the things that we have not mentioned in the manifesto? The things we have announced today were not even in the manifesto. But they were done because they were the need of the hour.”
Reacting to the State Assembly’s resolution on Special Status which was taken unanimously, Parsekar said, “It is true that the State Assembly has passed a resolution and sent to the Centre. And if it is possible I would be the happiest person. I am not against it, but I am talking reality. It is not in our hands, it is within the purview of the Centre.”
Strongly stating that getting Special Status for Goa was only possible during the time when Goa achieved statehood, he said , “Special Status was possible only at the time when Goa was granted statehood. That was the right time. But we missed the bus then, so making hue and cry now is of no use. And moreover, Special Status is not the demand of our State, nearly 10 other States have demanded the same. If it is granted to us, then they will have give it to all others.”
