PANJIM: Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Sunday silenced his opponents when he said despite his ill health he has been monitoring each and every development in the State including social media.
During the inauguration of third bridge over River Mandovi, which is considered to be his dream project, Parrikar sounded confident and minced no words to castigate his opponents. He appealed the people of Goa to ‘be positive’.
Taking a dig at his opponents on the social media, Parrikar lamented that there is a tendency to oppose every developmental project in Goa.
“There is opposition for airport and even to the garbage treatment plant. I think Goans should ‘be positive’,” he said.
After the inauguration of the bridge in presence of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, the ailing chief minister addressed the gathering and started his speech saying, “How is the josh? How’s the Josh? I will transfer my josh to you and sit here and speak few words.”
This was his first-ever public appearance since his ailment a year ago.
Earlier, Gadkari lamented that there were no efforts made by State government to promote water transport, a proposal which has been approved by his ministry.
“Considering the importance of tourism, public transport on electricity is viable option for Goa. Also because of the tourism inflow, the new airport is being completed,” he said.
“Like Venice, I was thinking that there should be connectivity to airport through water. But the proposals are not moving. I feel sad to say that I have given up on the project. Goa government should cooperate for such a project. I am sure Goa government will cooperate in the future.”
He said the inauguration of this bridge is fulfilment of Parrikar’s dream.
“Since the time I became the minister, Parrikar came to meet me and told me that he has been following up this project with the former UPA government but they did not respond,” he said.
“He requested me that since it is on the national highway, I should permit the construction of this bridge,” the minister said.
“Parrikar said the bridge is already announced and just want the permission, not the funds. Later, GSIDC was given the task to work on this bridge. L&T was given the contract,” he said.
“Parrikar again approached me seeking 50 per cent funding for the bridge. I was initially reluctant but due to Parrikar’s request, I reverted back the file and decided to fund 50 per cent of the bridge cost,” he said.
“We faced several challenges while constructing the bridge but Parrikar fought back all and completed this project,” Gadkari added.
“My ministry has sanctioned Rs 15,000 crore worth works for Goa. The credit for such infrastructure goes to the people of Goa, who got Shripad Naik and Narendra Sawaikar elected,” he said.
