Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: Utpal Parrikar said that deadline of May 31 for completion of Smart City works was given only after the issue was raised by him through a press briefing,
In response to Minister Babush Monserrate’s outburst directed at him and his late father, Chief Minister Parrikar, Utpal said, “I don’t care what he says.” Everyone is aware of PM Modi’s and CM Sawant’s remarks regarding Parrikar.
Utpal expressed his concern for Panaji’s small business owners who have been struggling as a result of the ongoing construction.
“I don’t care what he (Monserrate) says. Everyone knows what CM Sawant and PM Modi have to say about late Parrikar. I am worried about small businessmen in Panjim, who have been going through hard times due to the ongoing Smart City works.”
Utpal said that Monserrate’s statements are insignificant and that the minister had to give deadline of May 31 for completion of Smart City works only after he raised the issue.
Additionally, BJP spokesperson Giriraj Pai Vernekar issued a video message in which he claimed that criticisms of Parrikar were untrue. Vernekar claimed that Parrikar was a tall leader who was responsible for the BJP’s ascent to power in Goa.
Vernekar said that late Parrikar was a tall leader who worked to bring the BJP in power in the State and also went to become the Union Defence Minister. He was also the recipient of the civilian award.
“It is not correct to level allegations against late Parrikar, who passed away five years back,” he said.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who chaired the Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Ltd meeting, declined to comment on the statement made by his Cabinet colleague Monserrate.
Sawant said that the contractors have been asked to fast-track the works and complete them by May 31 this year.
