Union Home Minister Amit Shah is visiting Goa on October 14. Though he is coming to lay the foundation of a forensic science college, Shah will ostensibly be here for BJP’s election-related work. The question here is whether Union Home Minister’s presence is required to just lay the foundation of a project, plans of which are yet to be finalized, let alone approved. We still remember July 1, 2017, when within the high-security precincts of Dabolim airport the BJP held a public meeting addressed by Shah. In total violation of law and contrary to regulations, Shah was allowed to address the meeting of party workers within the airport premises. I was constrained to take up the issue with the High Court and an undertaking was filed by the Director of Airports Authority that it will be ensured that no such occurrence ever repeats. The ruling party cannot be allowed to vitiate the sanctity of institutions by acting in sheer and gross abuse of power. The only silver lining of this Shah’s visit to Goa is that authorities will quickly repair the potholes to ensure the Home Minister has a smooth ride.
