HERALD: Amidst growing tension over truckers’ demands to increase transportation rate, you have sent some trucks to the mining site. There are allegations from various quarters that you are not with the truck owners
NILESH CABRAL: I am only for the truckers, not for any mining companies. If they are making allegations over some difference on the rates, I cannot say anything. I am the only person who has even fought with the mining companies for the truckers. The allegations are because I sent my trucks… I sent to start the work. I have nothing to do with the mining company; it doesn’t even operate in my constituency. There are some families who are solely dependent on this. Some truck owners drive on their own, they work and manage on their own. Thinking power of some of these protestors has gone and their egos have taken over.
HERALD: What is your stand on the issue considering you represent a mining constituency?
CABRAL: I am concerned that the truckers are losing a huge amount as the activity has not started even after the mining season commenced over two months ago. Each truck, has, on an average lost Rs 60-70,000. I am told that Chowgule has conveyed to the management that if the crisis continues, it might have to lay off workers. Similarly, Sesa Goa might go for pay-cut and transfer its employees to other places where its offices are situation, or send them back home. Who will be responsible for the job loss? Who is responsible for the present crisis? Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has time and again helped the truckers in the past. Many schemes were brought in, interest waived off, road tax burden reduced, etc. I have been making effort to ensure truckers don’t lose their earning. I have always fought for the truck people. But with situation not resolving, I have decided to withdraw from the agitation. Henceforth, I have decided to only look into the issues connected with development in my constituency, or any individual issues for any reasons and focusing on infrastructures in my constituency.
HERALD: Differences between you and MGP colleague Deepak Pauskar on the issue is evident. Has it taken a political twist?
CABRAL:Leadership qualities are such that you have to take everybody (into confidence). A particular mine does not only employ trucks, it also employs employees, who are locals, truck drivers, mining engineers, clerks, workers, etc. Secondly, this is long distance trip but internally short trips also work and these are also affected. Now who is to be blamed it is for the people to decide.
There are no differences between us but difference in opinions. They are not understanding what I am trying to tell them. They are only going on what some of the truck owners are telling them. As MLA you are representing everybody, right from mine owners to the employees, the people operating mines and others who are wanting to start but cannot because of vested interest.
