PANAJI
Around 902 buses will be pressed to service for ferrying well-wishers who will be attending the 60th birthday celebration of Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar at Campal Ground in Panaji today.
The felicitation committee is anticipating nearly 50,000 people from across the State for the function. Elaborate parking arrangements have been made at five locations in and around the city.
Parking arrangements for nearly 315 buses that will be arriving from the constituencies of Parye, Valpoi, Shiroda, Cuncolim, Quepem, Curchorem, Sanvordem, Sanguem and Canacona are in place at Campal Parade Ground. Nearly 127 buses are expected from Mandrem, Pernem, Bicholim, Priol, Ponda and Madkai, for which parking has been made available at Fire Department Ground, St. Inez. Additionally, arrangements have also been made at the ground behind Taleigao Church, Adarsh Colony Road, Caranzalem and EDC, Patto Plaza.
Addressing a press conference at BJP headquarters in Panaji, MLA Sidharth Kuncalienkar said, “We have chalked out a detailed parking plan so that people are not inconvenienced. In addition to the parking arrangements that have been made for buses, space has been allotted for two and four-wheelers at Kala Academy and behind swimming pool complex.”
BJP State President Vinay Tendulkar informed that the event will be low-key, and will be attended by party workers and Parrikar’s well-wishers.
“We have planned a simple function to celebrate the birthday. Congress had earlier voiced its opposition. They don’t have to tell us what we have to do when any problem strikes the country. BJP has always made its contribution by raising funds whenever any natural calamities have occured,” he said.
He also spoke about the fundraising initiative being carried out for the Chennai relief fund, and appealed to people to donate for the same.
BOX
60-mt rose garland cancelled
BJP State President Vinay Tendulkar informed that the plan of some party workers to present a 60-metre rose garland to Parrikar has been called off.
“Some party workers wanted to present a 60-metre long garland of roses to Parrikar which would have cost around Rs 35,000. They had even placed an order for the garland, but it has now been cancelled. They plan to donate the same amount towards the Chennai relief fund,” he said.
He also informed that there would be no buffet arrangements, high-end decorations or floral arrangements. The stage will also wear a simple look, he added.
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POINTERS
- GENEXT OPPOSES B'DAY HOARDINGS - PG 3
- TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS - PG 6
