On the DefExpo when certain people make comments saying that those opposing it are die-hard obstructionists and agenda driven, one needs to ask whether those saying so are part of the coterie that has benefited at the expense of Goa. Can these people not see that apart from other reasons the fact that the DefExpo is purely a temporary affair for which wasting such a lot of money at the site particularly when the people of Betul do not want it, is the primary reason why the event should not be held there. That this is also a thinly veiled attempt of land grab by the Defence Ministry cannot also be negated considering past precedents. One must note that the Centre particularly the Defence Ministry is quick to acquire land but are always very reluctant to give it up like we have seen at Panjim where they are sitting on prime land. Apart from this, the comments made by M D Singh, the person in charge of the DefExpo during the briefing at Margao on 25th Feb 2016 are rather odd. What stopped him from coming earlier to hold this brief? Did he take the people of Goa for granted considering that Manohar Parrikar is the Defence Minister? On his saying that the DefExpo may go to other countries, one cannot understand how since it is India’s DefExpo and how can it go to another country? As for so many countries having registered and the embarrassment that would be caused to India if the event is not held, it squarely sits at the Defence Ministry and the Goa government’s door since by their own actions they have got into this predicament.
The people of Betul from the first days when the DefExpo was announced have voiced their objections to it. On saying that the Betul site being on the seacoast prompted them to decide on it, one has to say that Pragati Maidan at Delhi was not on the seacoast where the DefExpo was held earlier. Further, the Goa government has in so many words confirmed that if the DefExpo is held at Betul then it is only for one year. Moreover, the alternative site in Keri for the event is nowhere near the seacoast. So, if Singh is to be believed then it seems the Betul site is the permanent site for the DefExpo. Clearly the CM has been trying to delude the people of Betul and of Goa. Again, Singh said that the exhibitors were consulted and they also gave their assent to the Betul site. Here again Singh is trying to bluff his way out since nowhere in the world do the organisers consult the exhibitors on the event site. Lastly, Singh’s overtures to local industry to put up stalls and that a food court with Goan cuisine would be set up at the venue for which a concession would be given are clear attempts to bribe the local industry and people to win support for the event. In any case very few of local industry would have any products of relevance to the DefExpo and those like Kineco and Goa Shipyard Ltd. are also part of the Make In India initiative. So all in all the DefExpo at Betul is a very much misconceived proposition and the earlier it is clarified that the event will not be held there if will be to the benefit of everyone concerned. If the organisers are confident to put up the facilities at Betul in the short time that is available for the DefExpo then they could as well put it up at the alternate site at Keri. Or is this a prestige point for Laxmikant Parsekar and Manohar Parrikar to hold the DefExpo at Betul only? Sometimes the politicians should know it is good strategy to bow down to the wishes of the people which the CM and the Defence Minister should note. Concluding, India has emerged as the biggest arms purchaser in the world. Being the land of Mahatma Gandhi, the apostle of non-violence, it is a complete contradiction of his policies and in that light if the people of Betul and Goa do not want the DefExpo here, then one should accept their sentiments.
