PANJIM: The controversy over the upcoming DefExpo at Betul does not seem to end with NGO GenNext raising questions over creation of infrastructure worth a whopping Rs 50 crore when the venue is temporary.
“We would like to ask the Defence Minister (Manohar Parrikar) what type of infrastructure he and his team is creating worth Rs 50 crore at Quitol- Betul. If it’s not a permanent venue why is such a big amount being wasted?” NGO vice president Anita Fernandes said in a press statement issued here on Sunday.
The apprehension follows a day after Parrikar, in an informal interaction with the media, had estimated the amount for building the required infrastructure for the four-day event, while also expecting a turnover of about Rs 200 crore.
GenNext had charged the union minister of ‘fooling’ the citizens of Goa as it apprehends the venue could be made permanent for hosting DefExpo. A delegation had recently called on Parrikar in Delhi when he had assured the event would be held this year and that the venue is not permanent.
“Defence Expo is just almost a month away from now. He is a habitual U-Turn Master and we would not be surprised with another U-turn. BJP government has become arrogant and going against the wishes of the people,” she stated.
Meanwhile, Parrikar had also clarified during the interaction on Saturday that his ministry was not interested to acquire any land in Goa even if offered free of cost.
