Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: Leader of Opposition Digamabar Kamat has questioned how can the a part time Governor handle COVID situation in Goa?
He expressed happiness that the Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has finally realised the need to take Army onboard to handle the deteriorating Covid situation in the Country.
He was reacting to the reports of Union Defence Minister’s meeting with Governors and Lt. Governors urging them to take help of ex- servicemen, nurses, lab technicians and retired army personnel to deal with the Covid crisis.
“We have a part time Governor in Goa who is sharing responsibility of our neighbouring State Maharashtra which is facing acute Covid crisis. How can he give justice to Goa, when the local government appears clueless and directionless in handling the crisis,” stated Digambar Kamat.
He said that it is unfortunate that the Prime Minister’s Office ignored his suggestion to make a task force of experts from civil society and army.
“I had urged the Prime Minister on the same on 23rd March 2020. The Central Government did not act on it for almost a year now,” Digambar Kamat said.
Today, he says, no one knows what is happening in the State. Ministers are making announcements contradicting the Chief Minister. Officials appear clueless. Now, local Panchayats are announcing lockdowns. Are we heading towards anarchy.
The local BJP Government is not paying any attention to the constructive suggestions of the Opposition in handling the Covid pandemic. There is no scope for us to escalate the matter to the Governor as he is not available full time in Goa. Goa is missing the pro-active former Governor Satya Pal Malik who dared to call spade a spade and always protected the interest of Goa and welfare of Goans, Digambar Kamat said.
Kamat said the Former Governor Satya Pal Malik went all out of his way on issues like Mhadei, Lockdown at Mangor Hill, Supply of Essential Commodities during nationwide lockdown. He was candid enough to express his views on Farmers Protests recently. Unfortunately, he was transferred as his remaining in office would have created more embarrassments to the BJP Government.
“I urge the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to impress upon the Prime Minister and appoint a full time Governor who will give justice to the people,” he said.
