TEAM HERALD

 

MARGAO: Ahead of the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar descended in Salcete during the weekend in an apparent bid to woo the people, promising them to usher in all round development of the taluka.

He promised to take up development not just in Navelim, Velim or Benaulim, but the rest of the constituencies, including Margao and those representing by the opposition within the next two years. “Goa’s development will not be complete without Salcete”, the Chief Minister asserted during his visit to the Aqua Goa fish mela 2014 at Navelim on late Saturday evening.

In fact, he asserted that the state’s development will remain incomplete if Salcete is not part of the development agenda. In a bid to offset criticism that he is only devoting attention only in Navelim, Velim and Benaulim, Parrikar sought to assuage ruffled weathers by conveying the message that Salcete remaining constituencies will also receive equal attention.  “There will be no discrimination whatsoever as far as development is concerned. Whatever has been planned for Salcete will be executed within the next two years”, he promised.

On the occasion, Navelim MLA and Fisheries Minister Avertano Furtado outlined a big list of developmental projects in the constituency. “The place where you are right now standing will play host to a swimming pool and an indoor stadium. These projects will see light of the day before the national games”, Avertano said.

He also unveiled his plan for a road bypass – linking the Eastern bypass at Rawanfond to the NH-17 at Jackniband, saying the project will soon take off with the government setting in motion the land acquisition proceedings.

He also took time off on Sunday to made his presence felt at Chinchinim-Deussua in Velim constituency, promising the people of development. While returning to Panjim, he also made a brief stop at Margao to inaugurate the 12-day SARAS festival at the SGPDA grounds.