SHOAIB SHAIKH
PANJIM: Goa Suraksha Manch (GSM) has welcomed the Supreme Court decision to ban liquor along highways. However, the party feels that the government should rehabilitate those affected.
Speaking to Herald GSM President Anand Shirodkar said, “It is a natural tendency that when you see alcohol you will get attracted and the Supreme Court has taken a correct decision on banning liquor along highways. However, when a family is dependent on a business for their livelihood you cannot suddenly stop their livelihood. Therefore it is the responsibility of the Goa government to rehabilitate those affected.”
He alleged that BJP has never taken up issues to solve problems, rather they have taken up issues for political reasons. Pointing out to casinos, mining, MoI and eco-sensitive areas, he said that none of them have been solved but BJP has gained benefits.
“In all these issues, the BJP government has only made statements and none have been handled and solved. They only used these issues for their political benefits,” he stated.
He slammed successive governments for issuing liquor trade licences without framing any policy or keeping society’s interest in mind. “Instead of making vague statements that we will study or we will approach the Supreme Court with a petition, Manohar Parrikar should come up with solutions. If he cannot then he should hand over the issue to Vijai Sardesai and I’m sure he will be able to handle the matter in a better way,” he added.
Taking a jibe at the BJP for planning a felicitation ceremony on Sunday, he said “I was in the BJP and I respect Amit Shah’s work, but not the reason for which he is being felicitated. What kind of a government have you formed? You have been involved in horse trading and formed a government by destroying democracy and not giving the single largest party an opportunity. I feel this is disgusting.”
