But adds Dabolim airport will continue to exist
TEAM HERALD
teamherald@herald-goa.com
MARGAO: BJP’s South Goa Candidate Narendra Sawaikar evaded questions on the contentious issue of scraping of the proposed airport at Mopa, while promising to work for special status for Goa and dual citizenship for Goans.
Speaking after filing his nomination papers Sawaikar said he is confident of winning the seat with the blessings of the people of South Goa. But he evaded a direct question on the demand from the people of South Goa to scrap the Mopa airport. “My stand on Dabolim is clear. The new terminal at Dabolim has started functioning. The government has spent nearly Rs 500 crore on Dabolim’s up-gradation”, he said, adding that there ought to be no doubt in anyone’s mind about the continuance of Dabolim.
But when he was asked a specific query whether he would scrap the Mopa airport as is demanded in South Goa, Sawaikar ducked the question, reiterating that there ought to be no doubt about the existence of Dabolim airport.
On his re-nomination by the party leadership, Sawaikar said the party has recognised his work
done in the last five years. “We fell short of the target in 2009. But we continued our good work. The party has reposed its faith in me”, he said.
On issues he intends to take up in Parliament, Sawaikar accorded priority to special status, resolving the ticklish dual citizenship issue, besides infrastructure, tourism development in South Goa.
On the impact the Church circular would have on his prospects, Sawaikar said any institution can issue a circular in a democratic polity, while underling the need to take everyone
together in a democratic
set up.
