Team Herald
MARGAO: In a development that has sparked controversy, the Margao Congress has launched a scathing criticism of the Goa government’s recent meat export initiative, alleging hypocrisy and communal disharmony.
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It may be recalled that the government had recently announced that the State is making its international debut in the beef export market, with a significant shipment of 28.5 tonnes of frozen meat loaded for export to Iraq through the Goa Meat Complex, a partnership between the government-run facility and Karnataka-based Sunface Agrofoods Pvt Ltd.
Rajesh Kenny, Managing Director (MD) of Goa Meat Complex, had also confirmed to the media that this is the first time the State is supplying frozen beef to Iraq.
The announcement set the stage for Tuesday’s press conference, where Congress leader Savio Coutinho, alongside party colleagues including Advocate Snehal Onskar, Architect Carlos Gracias, Lincoln Gomes, Damodar Onskar, Anwar Naroo, Robert Vaz, Aneil Alvares, and Camilo Camara, vehemently criticized the move.
Coutinho raised pointed questions about the government’s priorities, directly challenging whether the export of beef was responsible for creating shortages during the Christmas season. He specifically highlighted recent incidents in Margao, including a raid at a private premises in Sirvodem where, beyond the beef issue, a teakwood log was used to harass the trader.
They also referred to the infamous incident at the SGPDA market involved a physical assault during beef transportation, which had led to a strike by the beef traders, just before Christmas day.
Challenging the government’s stance, Coutinho questioned the basis on which self-proclaimed ‘gau-rakshaks’ stop vehicles and declare meat as cow meat, especially when the government claims only buffalo meat is being exported. He demanded to know who promotes and encourages elements involved in illegal raids and by what authority they determine the type of meat being transported.
Coutinho expressed skepticism about the reported income of Rs 500 per animal slaughtered, suggesting there might be larger financial motivations behind the export initiative. “It is beyond our capacity to believe that this government is into such petty business of Rs 500 per animal,” he stated, alleging that the “double engine government” has likely struck a high-kickbacks deal through this export initiative.
Onskar accused the government of sponsoring a hate campaign that pits the public against each other while simultaneously deriving monetary benefits. He argued that the export business exposes the government’s hypocrisy in its treatment of the cow, which is respected by Hindus.
Coutinho also cast doubt on the credibility of Sunface Agrofoods Private Limited, claiming a Google search revealed the company as “permanently closed” and potentially serving as a mask for other beneficiaries of the ruling dispensation.
The controversy comes at a critical time for local consumers. On Tuesday, visitors to the SGPDA retail market found meat supplies severely limited. Consumers were informed that the situation was dire, with meat supply significantly reduced and only a very limited amount arriving even in North Goa. This shortage is particularly impacting the hospitality industry during the peak tourism season.
