Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: Goa Mining People’s Front (GMPF) Convenor Puti Gaonkar today said he was ready to contest against Chief Minister Pramod Sawant in Sankhali if any party like this AAP, MGP or Congress gives backing and support.
Gaonkar also alleged that Bhumiputra Bill has been brought in to convert outsiders into Goans.
Addressing the media, Gaonkar said that his front will work against the Pramod Sawant led BJP government for the upcoming elections for failing to resolve the mining.
“I am ready to contest against Chief Minister Pramod Sawant in Sankhali if any party like AAP, MGP or Congress gives backing and support. I don’t trust Goa Forward Party,” said Gaonkar.
He further said that in the last 4 years, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has done nothing to resolve the mining issue, and that is why we have decided to work against BJP for coming elections.
“There is an urgent need to resume mining in the state to restore economic stability and provide a sustainable, self-reliant source of livelihood for the people of Goa; I do not know what the state govern up to is upto,” he said.
Gaonkar said that if mining is not resumed immediately, it will be difficult for the state to get back on track with the revenue dipping and recover from the acute unemployment crisis.
“What we need is a decision on mining, and we are against the delay techniques of the government; I think probably they have ulterior motives to give the mine to someone,” he added.
The GMPF leader also said around Rs 7,000 crore in the last two years due to the suspension of mining activities.
He further opposed the possible move of the government to form a corporation or auctioning of the mines. “It would only lead to litigation, and the issue will be kept pending for several years,” he said.
Meanwhile, commenting on the Bhumiputra Bill, Puti said that the bill has just been brought to convert outsiders into Goans.
“We completely oppose this bill. All outsiders will be converted in Goans, will be a disaster,” he added.
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