Team Herald
PANJIM: Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar on Tuesday said he has got emotional looking back at his journey of the past two years as cief minister.
“It is two years today. I get emotional looking at the journey. It was a big challenge when I took up the responsibility. But in these two years I have managed to overcome it. I replied to people mocking me through my work, I never made a statement or defended myself,” Parsekar told media persons.
“I am feeling satisfied today. During my last two years we have achieved many things. We have won the confidence of the people,” he added.
The Chief Minister was speaking to media persons on the sidelines of the signing of the concession agreement with GMR Airports Ltd for developing the new Mopa airport.
Parsekar, representing Mandrem constituency, was sworn in as Chief Minister on November 8, 2014, after then CM Manohar Parrikar was elevated as Union Defence Minister.
“When I took over, the State’s economy was at its lowest. Despite this, we fast paced social and educational schemes. We never let people feel the brunt of the downsizing economy. This was a major challenge and I feel I have live up to the people’s expectations,” he said.
The Chief Minister took dig at the former Congress-led UPA government for ‘step-motherly’ treatment to Goa that blocked almost all projects, as a result of which the State was forced to take up the third bridge over River Mandovi with its own finances.
“But then, Narendra Modi-led government took over. This was followed by me becoming Chief Minister. I was really blessed with Modiji being in power,” Parsekar said adding that Goa has received funding to the tune of Rs 15,000 crore for various infrastructure projects.
He added that the Defence ministry has placed orders with Goa Shipyard Limited worth Rs 33,000 crore which will add to the revenue of the State and generate employment. “This in itself is special status for Goa, what else to ask for special status?” he said.
Commenting on a question on why the common man is facing a threat to the Goa’s language, culture and identity as well as land, the Chief Minister said, “As far as BJP is there…I am there, I assure that there won’t be any harm to our language or culture or identity.”
Speaking on protection to land, Parsekar said that compared to the Congress tenure, the percentage of people selling land to non Goans or foreigners has been minimized or is even zero in some places. “At present there is no need to bring in any law to protect the land. If required in near future, we can see,” he said.
