But, with Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar finally deciding to move to Delhi, the people of Salcete will certainly look forward to the new BJP government’s stand on the two most contentious issues plaguing the minority taluka – the Medium of Instruction Policy (MoI) and the Mopa airport.
Even though Parrikar was trying to bulldoze his way with Mopa by floating the Request for Qualification (RFQ) tender, sources said his likely successors – Speaker Rajendra Arlekar and Health Minister Laxmikant Parsekar – had been equally vocal in support of the new airport at Mopa. It has been pointed out that Arlekar’s recent statements on the airport row smacked of communal overtones, which may further heighten tension over the airport in the days ahead with the Goans for Dabolim Only (GFDO) bracing up to take the battle to its logical conclusion.
Sources said the new government isn’t going to dilute the BJP stand on Mopa with both Arlekar and Parsekar representing Pernem taluka in the Legislative Assembly. Political commentator and Margao-based lawyer Cleofato Coutinho said Mopa may receive a big push from Arlekar or Parsekar since the new airport suits the interest of the BJP, though the party may end up antagonising Salcete.
Speaking on the development, Goans for Dabolim Only (GFDO) Convenor Fr Eremito Rebello said it’s too early to comment on the emerging political equation, preferring to wait and see the developments unfolding in the State. He, however, said that the fight to retain Dabolim as Goa’s lone international airport will continue with renewed vigour. “We have many options with us and we will use them to take our fight to the logical conclusion,” Fr Rebello said.
Parrikar’s decision to move to Delhi may come as bad news for those fighting for grants to English medium in primary schools when the Medium of Instruction (MoI) matter is presently pending with the Select Committee. Sources said that Parrikar was accommodative to the views expressed by the pro-English lobby, but have now raised questions whether the process initiated during his tenure to give grants to English medium schools will be taken to its logical conclusion.
Salcete’s seafarers community also felt that Parrikar’s new assignment in Delhi may push their issues to the background. President of Goan Seamen Association of India, Dixon Vaz said that Parrikar had resolved many a pending issue of the seafarers, giving pension to the retired seamen and widows. “The seafarers enjoyed a close rapport with Parrikar. The new government will have to reconstruct the relationship. Whoever succeeds Parrikar will have to look after the interest of the seafarers. Parrikar had committed himself to set up a Seafarers Cell and resolve other pending issues,” he said, while hoping the new Chief Minister will devote time and attention to the seafarers community.
