Panaji: Ridiculing the statement of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant that ‘he is not connected with Bhutani Mega project’, Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao on Friday dared him to reveal names of those connected.
“Pramod Sawant is Chief Minister of Goa. He is not an ordinary person. If he is not aware of what is happening in his department and government then he has no right to sit on the top chair. If he has no connection with Bhutani, then he should tell who is connected with it,” Alemao pointed out.
“He is mocking the administrative process and people of Goa. If his government has not given permission to Bhutani, then who gave it? Are there any ‘ghosts’ (Bhoot) recruited in the concerned department? Why and how the said land was removed from private forest? Who was behind it,” Alemao questioned.
“BJP government is converting lands in Bardez, Pedne, Bicholim to benefit their crony capitalist friends. If these practices don’t stop, then no land will remain for Goemkars.
Government made tall statements about building ‘Konkani Bhasha Bhavan’ last year, but nothing concrete has been done, maybe because there is no land left,” Alemao said.
“Congress has played a vital role to include our mother tongue Konkani in the 8th Schedule of the Indian constitution. But this government is playing with the sentiments of Goemkars. It is tossing Goa Konkani Akademi from one place to another, instead of giving permanent premises,” Alemao said.
“I hope the government will not give the abandoned Konkani Akademi premises at Patto-Panaji to the Casino lobby, as this government is protecting and pleasing them. BJP wants to convert Goa into a casino hub and it is learnt that one more casino will be allowed in South Goa. BJP has close relations with casinos and their MLAs are seen often visiting gala events at the casinos,” Alemao said.
“Goa Konkani Akademi has gone to dogs under the regime of this BJP govt. We will stage agitation if the abandoned Konkani Akademi building is leased out to the Casino lobby,” he said.
“Language is the identity of the state and the nucleus of our culture. Gross negligence and carelessness by the government would coerce Congress to come out with the Save Goa Konkani Akademi campaign. Renovate the premises and make it a centre for Konkani publications, music and culture under the GKA.
