l Naik says he’s well-versed with issues related to mining in Goa
l l will help solve issue of lakhs of Goans dependent on industry for survival
TEAM HERALD
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PANJIM: With an aim of resolving the ongoing iron ore mining crisis, a contentious issue that has been prerogative of ruling Bharatiya Janata Party’s in Goa, its four-time MP Shripad Naik is eyeing two major portfolios associated with the industry –Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) and Mines.
Moreover, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has expressed his unwillingness to be part of Narendra Modi’s dream Cabinet. Parrikar has communicated his views to Modi and other leaders.
Naik along with his colleague MP Narendra Sawaikar, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, Deputy Chief Minister Francis D’Souza, party president Vinay Tendulkar and other senior leaders met Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Tuesday morning. The leaders attended the party’s parliamentary board meeting that elected Modi as its leader.
Speaking to Herald from Delhi, Naik said he along with his leaders is confident of a ministerial berth. “The decision on the Ministry to be allocated would completely lie with the senior party leaders,” he said.
However, considering the importance of mining industry, especially in Goa, which is currently in bad state, I would love to take over MoEF or the mines ministry. “It would be of great use as I am very well-versed with the issues related to mining in Goa. It will help in resolving the crisis and solving the issue of lakhs of Goans who are dependent on the industry for survival. A situation similar to Goa also exists in States like Karnataka, Orissa,” he said.
When asked about the ongoing rumours of Chief Minister likely to be made part of Modi Cabinet, the senior BJP leader said ‘Parrikar has already informed Modi that he is not willing to leave Goa… he has said he is not interested in any Cabinet berth at the Centre’.
Naik, who won from North Goa with a huge margin of over one lakh votes, had during his election campaign announced that a comprehensive solution to the mining crisis would be his top priority. He had also assured to provide a special financial package to the State for rehabilitation of mining-affected people.
This will be the fourth term of Naik as MP. Naik has won from North Goa in 1999, 2004 and 2009. During his tenure as MP in 1999 he was appointed as Union Minister of State of Agriculture, finance, shipping, civil aviation and transport.
