TEAM HERALD
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PANJIM: Amid the chaos within the BJP, a bemused South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha trained his guns at the BJP Goa conclave which failed to discuss the “toll fee”, even as thousands of transporters waited with baited breath for a solution to the vexed issue.
“Transporters in the State and neighbouring districts are disappointed that the issue was not raised at the conclave…prices of essential commodities are sky rocketing,” he told reporters.
Commenting on the demand for special status for Goa, a resolution which was discussed at the conclave, Sardinha said he will pursue the matter at the Centre provided Goa government is clear what type of special status it demands for the State.
He also assured to raise other demands in favour of the State such as resuming legal mines and financial package for mining affected people, with the Centre. “Let the State approach me with a copy of its letter to the Centre. I am not going to dream what it wants…As an MP representing Goa in the Parliament, if I can do anything for the development of Goa, I will be happy,” he added.
The AICC Secretary and Goa desk in-charge P Sudhakar Reddy Reddy Monday demanded that the government immediately acquire the land for NIT in the State, for which the Centre has allocated Rs 1540 crore.
Speaking at a press conference, he alleged that Goan students are facing difficulties while government is delaying the establishment of the NIT.
Meanwhile, in a tit for tat to Congress hatao sloganeering by Modi, the state Congress Monday resolved to launch an anti-BJP agitation with special focus on the deteriorating law and situation in the State. In a meeting of block presidents, the party leaders decided to agitate against Manohar Parrikar-government’s failure on all fronts.
Speaking to Herald, AICC Secretary and the central observer for Goa P Sudhakar Reddy said the party has chalked out certain programmes in the coming days.
“Law and order has been a complete failure here. We are also shocked over the kidnapping of a minor girl from Benaulim… Such an attack on the Colva police station was perhaps the first time in the history of Goa police. The government has failed on all fronts,” he said.
The party will also agitate against the deluge of crushing taxes such as water and power tarrifs, and all documentation charges such as stamp fee and others.
“The toll fee has come as a huge set back. It is affecting the common people. But government is doing nothing,” Reddy said.
“All these failures and U-turns of government will be brought to the notice of Goa Governor. The Goa Pradesh Congress Committee and CLP will prepare a detailed report on all this and seek an appointment to meet him,” he added.
