TEAM HERALD
teamherald@herald-goa.com
MARGAO: Accusing Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar for bulldozing his way with the Mopa airport, Goemkar Convenor, MLA Vijai Sardessai, has said a delegation will seek clarifications from Union Civil Aviation Secretary and Chairman of Airports Authority of India (AAI) when they come down to attend the Mopa Steering Committee meeting on January 24.
Saying that the Parrikar government has put the Mopa airport on a fast track when questions remains unanswered on its very feasibility, Sardessai said the Goemkar delegation will seek clarifications from the AAI Chairman and Union Civil Aviation Secretary doubts over the continuance of Dabolim and possible destruction of tourism economy after Mopa becomes a reality.
The Independent MLA came down heavily on Dabolim MLA Mauvin Godinho’s criticism of Goemkar. He said Goemkar does not need certificate from a politician like Mauvin, who has come under a cloud in the power scam.
He also took pot shots at South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha for espousing the cause of both Dabolim and Mopa. “I feel that this MP has outlived his political shelf life by siding with Mopa and intending to contest from South. Is his two-airport theory akin to his failed pre-poll promise to legalise bull fights in the state. The MP should explain to the people of Goa on special status for the state. It has taken five years for the parallel Zuari bridge file to move from one table to another at the Centre”, he said.
Asked whether Goemkar will opposed Sardinha’s candidature in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, Sardessai said Goemkar will not support any candidate espousing the cause of Mopa.
On Nuvem MLA Mickky Pacheco’s contention that he was the pioneer of the anti-Mopa movement, Sardessai agreed with Pacheco’s contention and requested the Nuvem MLA to once again take the lead, but by first withdrawing support to the government. “I have no ego issues and would be happy to concede to him the leadership of the movement if he decides to join us,” he added.
Replying to a question, Sardessai said that as Congress general secretary he was not calling the shots and responsible for decisions taken by the Congress government in the last five years.
