Panaji: Stating it is unfortunate to learn that BJP’s Double Engine government failed to invite Pope for decennial Exposition in Goa, the Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao on Wednesday said that they again failed to respect sentiments of people.
“Despite my letter to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant in 2023 and many other people requesting him on the same line, Double Engine Govt has failed to invite the Pope for the decennial Exposition in Goa. Last Papal visit to Goa of Pope John Paul- II in February 1986 is cherished by people. It was a nostalgic memory, and this would have been as well,” Alemao said.
Alemao said that he had appealed to the Chief Minister to put in all possible efforts to ensure Goa is included in the itinerary of the Pope.
“We were happy and were in a joyous mood over the visit of the Pope and to give him a warm welcome and be blessed. But BJP’s both engines failed to fulfil the aspirations of the people,” he said.
According to him, in 1986 the Pope had celebrated a public mass at the Campal Ground in Panaji and many had got the opportunity to attend it.
“Pramod Sawant should know exactly where snag has been developed in Double Engine to pursue the request of the people of Goa and if possible should act swiftly to make it possible for the Pope to visit our state,” Alemao said.
“Government should immediately convene a High Powered Committee meeting over Exposition and should discuss this issue,” Alemao said.
He said that the government has also failed in protecting heritage sites at Old Goa.
“It should hear the suggestions made by Save Old Goa Action Committee (SOGAC) and protect the historical integrity of the area. Master plan should be announced and the projects which are to come at the world heritage site should be scrapped,” Alemao said, adding the government has gone very slow on controversial illegal bungalow at Old Goa.
“BJP government had sought Rs 300 crore grant from the cental government for the decennial exposition of St Francis Xavier. We need to know whether it is granted or rejected,” Alemao pointed out.
