When beef became scarce in Xaxtidom and across the state, beef lovers and meat traders alike might have remembered the Catholic faces in the Manoharbhai regime for relief. They must have hoped and prayed the Catholic MLAs would intervene and help ease restrictions on animal slaughter at the Goa Meat Complex. But, some of the younger lot led by Fisheries Minister, Avertanbab happened to be out of station. They are believed to have taken some time off after a grueling Assembly session to fly to Hong Kong for relaxation. Accompanying Avertanbab is his close pal Benjamin, besides Glen Ticlo, Carlos and Calangute’s Michael. It’s an open secret that these MLAs often travel outside the state together, sometimes with their families. This time round, however, their absence was felt by the beef lovers in Xaxtidom. They wanted them to impress upon Manoharbhai to ease the restrictions on import of animals for slaughter. Their plea to some of the Catholic MLAs has so far failed to have a desired result. Beef lovers in Navelim, Velim, Vasco, Aldona, Calangute and other minority populated constituencies might be eagerly awaiting the return of these MLAs back home to take up their cause with Manoharbhai. Perhaps for the first time, the minorities have begun to see red on government’s stoic silence on red meat. And, the general impression is that the issue did not evoke urgent attention from the powers that be.
