Team Herald
PANJIM: Representing a constituency where nearly 55 percent of the constituents are dependent on mining, BJP MLA Nilesh Cabral vent out his anger on the manner in which the government is functioning in the absence of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar and particularly because the State is closing in on a major mining crisis once again.
His anger is basically because there is no solution to the mining issue. “If mining activities stop and I am not able to help my people (in Curchorem) because of the present situation, then why should I be there? I better go,” he told Herald on Friday.
Speaking to a local news channel, Cabral also blamed the present state of administration for the stroke suffered by Vasco MLA Carlos Almeida, who is currently undergoing treatment in the hospital.
“Should I tell you why Carlos is in this state today? He was stressed and had expressed his problem… he said 2,600 employees in MPT will lose jobs and another 5,600 pensioners will not get income. When he last left from the meeting he was stressed and later we heard he suffered a stroke,” Cabral said and added that he doesn’t want to be a part of this.
“I want to relax. I am a person who can face all difficulties but why are these not being solved? There is no government… what is the functioning of the legislators?”
When asked why the State government has not made any formal representation to the Centre on the mining crisis after a month of the order, he retorted by saying, “What government, where government?”
“I spoke to Sudin, Vijai and Francis (senior ministers part of Cabinet Advisory Committee) about the mining issue. We need to ensure continuation of the business. They are willing to deliberate but they have no powers. I asked Chief Secretary if a cabinet meeting can be held. He said it needs CM’s online approval from New York. How can a State function like this?” he told the channel.
Cabral demanded an urgent meeting of the cabinet to prepare a representation by the State government to the Centre detailing ways to ensure continuation of mineral development activities.
Speaking to Herald, he emphasised that he wants CM Manohar Parrikar to bounce back. “I adore my CM. I have always been with him and will remain with him even in the future. But the cabinet is paralysed because it can’t take a decision,” he said, reiterating that CM should take complete rest and return healthy to guide all.
