MARGAO: Goans for Dabolim Only (GFDO) Convenor Fr Eremito Rebello on Wednesday said there’s no use shedding crocodile tears for late Matanhy Saldanha or inaugurating his statues or naming a Collectorate after his name when his principles and legacy are solemnly buried miles and miles underground.
Fr Eremito’s comments come on the eve of Matanhy’s birthday on October 24 wherein Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar is expected to inaugurate a statue of the late leader installed by ramponkars out of love and respect for the former Cortalim MLA near the Cansaulim market at the Verna-Cansaulim junction.
“We appreciate this good gesture on part of the ramponkars. But I wonder how our ‘insincere’ Chief Minister dare to inaugurate this statue of a sincere man”, he said.
Fr Eremito quoted Matanhy on the airport issue as reported in the book Life and Legacy of Matanhy Saldanha: “Anyone who demands two airports is not sincere, but attempting to manipulate the public. Once Mopa is constructed, Dabolim will not be retained. Mopa airport will be uneconomical and unviable and under no circumstances Mopa can be accepted as a second airport”.
Saying that Matanhy had never favoured two airports for Goa, Fr Eremito said the people of Goa will judge the insincerity and double talk of the Chief Minister.
