MARGAO
Apparently wary of the issues being raked by the opposition in Benaulim and Colva, where the NCP candidates are locked in a battle for the ZP election, NCP MLA Churchill Alemao on Tuesday made a fervent plea to the people to vote and elect party candidates in the ensuing polls.
“Some people are trying to rake up issues with an eye on the elections. But, there are no issues in Benaulim. I was the first to oppose coal transportation and I will oppose the same till my death. Since coal is coming by sea, we will have to shut down the MPT on the lines of the Konkani agitation to stop coal from entering the State,” Churchill asserted.
Addressing the media, the NCP Benaulim MLA said he has faith in the people of Benaulim constituency that they will rally behind his candidates in the fray, Menino de Bandar (Benaulim) and Vania Baptista (Colva). Besides, he said the party has fielded candidates, Sarita Fernandes in Curtorim, Jayant Shirodkar (Agassaim) and Naresh Korgaonkar (Arambol).
Referring to the issue of western bypass on stilts, Churchill said there would have been no issue had those heading the Benaulim panchayat then had taken steps to demand the bypass on stilts. “I tried my best to get the bypass built on stilts. I had met the Union Minister, who expressed his inability to sanction the bypass on stilts because of the huge cost of construction. I had got then Chief Minister late Manohar Parrikar to inspect the bypass stretch, and he has sanctioned additional drainage works along the Seraulim-Benaulim stretch,” he said.
Apparently aware that his opponents may exploit the support he has extended to the BJP government, Churchill said he had managed to get developmental works worth around Rs 300 crore in Benaulim constituency in the last three years. “When the central government appeared not keen to sanction the western bypass on stilts, I have got the Goa government take up the desilting of the river Sal to contain flooding. The government has tendered the desilting work amounting to Rs 11 crore and the work will commence soon,” he added.
Exuding confidence that people of Benaulim will not fall prey to attempts made by the opposition to misguide them on various issues, Churchill said the Congress and the BJP are making statements as if they have the Goan voters in their pockets.
“I appeal to the Congress to stop fooling the people by raking up issues. I am confident that the people will not get fooled,” he added.
