Team Herald
Margao: Goans For Dabolim Only(GFDO) has slammed the TCP Minister Vijai Sardessai for making a U-Turn on the issue of Mopa Airport project. Speaking at a press briefing the members said his lack of conviction and an inability to stand by his word was a disappointment.
Fr Fr Eremito Rebello said “For the people of Goa, one of the more positive and hopeful fallouts of the state’s post election political drama, appeared to be the installation of Vijai Sardesai as a crucial and important part of the ruling dispensation. As a staunch pro Dabolim, anti Mopa crusader, it seemed only logical for GFDO to approach Sardesai to understand his long term strategy and vision to protect Goa and Goans from the impending large scale trauma and destruction of the state’s environment, demography, identity and economy that the survival of the unviable Mopa Airport would necessitate”
GFDO, he said expected some semblance of integrity and commitment from Vijai Sardesai to his own cause. His lack of conviction and courage to stand by the cause he once so ardently espoused was a grave let down and a serious disappointment to GFDO and the people of Goa. However, despite this setback, the people remain steadfast and committed to Goa and her welfare. The fight, the priest said would continue and ultimately, the truth would prevail.
“While Vijai Sardesai gave GFDO a patient hearing, it was sad to see that the Fatorda MLA, who as an Opposition member in the Legislative Assembly was once renowned as a tenacious fighter for Goan causes, now appeared to have lost his spirit and motivation to stand up for important issues that he once championed” added Fr Eremito.
GFDO said although Mr. Sardesai agreed fully with all the issues raised in the GFDO memorandum handed to him, he seemed to believe that the land acquisition for the project was complete and therefore it was too late to do anything to rectify this Himalayan blunder. This was perplexing indeed, given the fact that the local BJP MLA Babu Azgaonkar himself has admitted that his government has not meted justice to many land owners, who are still struggling either to get the money or their land back.
“Going by his past statements in the Legislative Assembly on the Dual Airport issue, there is no doubt that Vijai Sardesai fully understands the irreversible and seriously damaging implications of the Mopa Airport for Goa and Goans. Today, in an astounding and shocking U turn, as TCP Minister he is quite willing to preside over a Regional Plan that has the once repugnant Mopa Airport as its basis and central focus” said Edwin Pinto.
