Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant questioned the rationale and timing of the ongoing “Goyant Kollso Naka” protests, suggesting that the agitation may be politically driven ahead of the upcoming elections.
Speaking to reporters, Sawant downplayed the renewed opposition to coal transportation in Goa, asserting that neither the State nor the Central government has proposed any expansion of coal handling or transportation in the State. He clarified that operations at the Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) will continue as usual, with no additional tonnage being added to the current capacity.
“Then why the protest?” the Chief Minister asked, implying that the agitation was not grounded in factual concerns. “I don’t think this is about coal… there must be another reason… elections are near,” he added.
His remarks came a day after a public gathering under the “Goyant Kollso Naka” banner, where citizens and opposition leaders voiced their opposition to the double-tracking of railway lines and coal transportation in the State.
