PANAJI
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) while asserting that the people of Goa should be the final decision-makers about their future, has strongly opposed the double-tracking of the southwestern railway line and has asked the seven MLAs of constituencies affected by this project to declare their stand on the matter.
Briefing the media, spokespersons Sandesh Telekar and Venzy Viegas pointed out that Goans have, for some time, been opposing the double-tracking of the railway line which is actually aimed at only helping Adani transport coal from MPT to neighbouring states of Karnataka and Maharashtra.
"It is indeed quite ironic that MLA Alina Saldanha has suddenly found her voice now to object to the project and has admitted that the double-tracking is only to transport coal. She remained merely a dumb spectator when she was the environment minister," said Sandesh Telekar.
AAP, in a letter to the MLAs, said that their own constituents have been protesting and are wondering why the Bharatiya Janata Party was so determined to push the project that the people do not actually want.
While asking the MLAs to clearly state whether they are in support of the double-tracking aimed at making Goa a coal hub, AAP has asked the BJP MLAs whether they would resign from the party if the party does not accept their objection to the project.
"It is indeed ironic that late Matanhy Saldanha once closed down a major factory to protect Goan waters and fish but his wife has now permitted the destruction of reserve forest for industrial purpose," said Capt Venzy Viegas.
The AAP has pointed out that Goans were not consulted when the project was envisaged or approved, asserting that Goans should be the final decision-makers in the matter and have every right to object to the project.
A team of AAP party workers will reach out to the MLAs of Vasco, Mormugao, Dabolim, Cortalim, Nuvem, Curchorem, and Sanvordem.
They will submit a memorandum to each of the MLAs and ask them to clear their stand by accepting the memorandum.
As MLAs, they should get this project cancelled/withdrawn within 15 days or give their resignation. They must clarify if they are with Goans, or resign.
