Says Film City at Loliem will be dangerous to national security
INDIA bloc candidate Capt Viriato Fernandes poses with his supporters during a public rally in Chaudi, Canacona.
Photo Credits: The Goan
CANACONA
Assuring people that he would be their voice in the Parliament, I.N.D.I. Alliance candidate Capt Viriato Fernandes voiced concern over the proposed Film City at Loliem on grounds that it would pose a danger to national security given its proximity to the Indian Navy’s seabird project in neighbouring Karwar.
Capt Viriato was speaking at the first public meeting of I.N.D.I. Alliance at Chaudi Canacona, which was also attended and addressed by GPCC President Amit Patkar, Opposition Leader Yuri Alemao, South Goa Parliamentary Election in-charge and Quepem MLA Altone D’Costa, Goa Forward Party Supremo and Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai, AAP leader and Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas, Congress leader Guirish Chodankar and others.
In his address, Capt Viriato raised several issues, including coal imports, and other projects, which locals have been protesting, and questioned the decision to force the Film City project in Canacona.
“A Film City in Canacona, and Loliem in particular, will be very dangerous and a grave concern for national security in view of the closeness of Indian Navy’s Seabird project in neighbouring Karwar,” said Capt Viriato.
“I have dedicated and served my country for 26 years as a captain in the Indian Navy, and with the same dedication and concern I will serve Goan and Goa for the next 5 years. The Congress ticket given to me is in fact is given for you, the people of South Goa and I will be your voice in the parliament,” he said.
Hitting out at the BJP, Goa Forward Party Supremo and Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai said one pre-poll survey stated that Ram Mandir is not an issue.
“Finding no outer issues, the BJP has turned Capt Viriato as a deshdrohi overnight. Don’t try to fool people by making a patriot who fought for the country a deshdrohi. A man who worked in defence cannot be a deshdrohi. Let's fight elections on issues, not on temples and religion but to protect democracy,” said Sardesai.
Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas accused the BJP of spreading wrong information to brainwash the people. “This election is of vital importance, else democracy will be lost forever,” said Viegas.
Opposition Leader Yuri Alemao stated crony capitalists have set their eyes on Canacona land. “Neither this government nor your MLA has a DPR on the Film City, as to what benefits Goa and Canacona, particularly Goans will get. The BJP has insulted the Indian Army by making fake allegations against Capt. Viriato,” said Alemao.
Quepem MLA Altone D’Costa said BJP’s efforts to woo leaders and voters will not succeed. Others present at the meeting included Goa Congress Mahila president Beena Naik, GPCC President Amit Patkar, activist Tara Kerkar, AAP leader Sandesh Telekar, Goa Forward Party leader Vikas Bhagat, Rajendra Desai, Mohandas Lolienkar (GFP), and Congress leader Janardhan Bhandari.
