Team Herald
PANJIM: Leader of Opposition Digambar Kamat on Thursday hit out at Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant challenging the latter to prove the allegation that he had granted permission to increase the coal handling capacity at Mormugao Port Trust (MPT), during his tenure.
The Chief Minister had, last week, accused Kamat of granting permission for the expansion of coal handling capacity at MPT twice during the latter’s tenure as the chief minister between 2007and 2012, including when the election Code of Conduct was in force.
Responding to the media questions, Kamat challenged Sawant to produce documentary evidence to substantiate claims made by him.
“Let them show at least one document signed by me during my tenure as the chief minister permitting the expansion of coal handling capacity at MPT. Or I will produce the documents that I have,” he said.
The former Chief Minister maintained that he has passed through several tough challenges that were politically motivated and hence, this fresh attempt, won’t serve any purpose.
Keeping the documents in the pocket and making allegations does not serve any purpose, he said.
“All the allegations levied against me are false. If they are true, let the Chief Minister prove it with the documents,” Kamat said.
The Chief Minister has already announced that the coal handling capacity at MPT will be reduced by more than 50 per cent by introducing alternative tourism projects.
“Regardless of which the government gave permission to increase the handling of coal in the State, our government is committed to reducing the volume and the same has to be done in a step-by-step manner,” Sawant had said.
