MARGAO: Asserting that two airports in Goa are neither feasible nor economically viable, newly-elected Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) chief Luizinho Faleiro said the Congress will oppose the proposed airport at Mopa.
Laying stress on unity and discipline to strengthen and consolidate the party in the state, the GPCC chief said he would unveil the road map for the revival of the Congress party in Goa within the next three months. He also disclosed plans to initiate an intensive membership drive, expressing his unhappiness that the party has not been able to groom young leadership in the party fora over the years. “My personal stand on the airport row is very clear. Two airports are neither feasible nor economically viable for Goa. This is not only my stand, but studies carried out by expert agencies have proved that two airports are neither viable nor feasible for Goa”, he said.
But, when his attention was drawn to contradictory stands adopted by Congress leaders from North and South Goa, Faleiro said “To my knowledge, the Congress has opposed the Mopa airport. But, we will hold consultations amongst the party men on the issue in the party fora to evolve a consensus on the issue”.
On accusations that the Congress has appointed an old party horse to lead the party in Goa for want of young leaders, Faleiro admitted that the party has failed to produce young and dynamic leaders in the state.
Outlining his plan of action to revive the party in Goa, Faleiro said his agenda will focus on unity and discipline in the party to strengthen and consolidate the organisation and to have initiate an intensive membership drive in the villages.
He evaded a question on the accusations made by outgoing GPCC chief John Fernandes that Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar had withdrawn a case against his wife, saying he does not want to cast aspersions on any of his predecessor.
Faleiro feigned ignorance when asked to comment on the disciplinary action initiated against Congress leaders by the outgoing GPCC chief, saying he will take stock of the situation after formally taking over the party reins.
