Says BJP allowing issue to linger ahead of polls
PANAJI
Alleging a “clear conspiracy” to phase out civilian operations at Dabolim Airport, Congress MP Captain Viriato Fernandes on Monday claimed that the BJP-led government is using security concerns following “Operation Sindoor” as a pretext to eventually shut down commercial flights at the airport while retaining it solely as a Naval facility.
Addressing a press conference, Fernandes charged that instead of issuing a categorical and transparent assurance safeguarding civilian operations, the ruling party is deliberately allowing the issue to linger ahead of elections.
“Goans deserve clarity. If there is no intention to shut commercial flights, the government must state it unequivocally and put all doubts to rest,” he said.
Fernandes clarified that the Opposition is not suggesting that the airport will be shut down entirely. “We are also not saying Dabolim airport will be closed completely. It will remain permanently, but as a Naval airport. Why is the government not coming clear-cut on civilian operations at the airport? There is a conspiracy to end commercial operations under the guise of security measures post Operation Sindoor,” he said, adding that the Navy has never sought to take over the airport and is “happy with what they have.”
The South Goa MP alleged that the BJP government has “stood exposed” on its assurances regarding the future of Dabolim, claiming that contradictory statements from different quarters have fuelled public suspicion.
“Why is Minister Mauvin Godinho claiming that GMR is pressurising the Centre to hand over Dabolim to the Navy? Why is a Goa government delegation meeting the Union Defence Minister frequently demanding that Dabolim not be shut down? That means something is happening which the government is aware of and they are trying to fool us,” he said.
Fernandes further alleged that following sustained opposition pressure, the Centre has merely put on hold a proposed file to shut civilian operations at Dabolim, rather than scrapping the move altogether. “The plan is not dropped but kept on hold till the upcoming elections,” he claimed.
He also linked the developments to the financial performance of Manohar International Airport, operated by GMR, stating that the airport has reported losses of Rs 266.8 crore in the last quarter.
“The entire move is to protect MIA. We have learnt that some international airlines which shifted from Dabolim to Mopa are now planning to shut down their operations,” Fernandes alleged.
