PANAJI (GOA) Notwithstanding opposition by its own MLA Alexio Reginaldo Lorenco, the Congress Legislative Party (CLP)today morning resolved to extend its support to the State Government’s all-party delegation, which will call on Central government on Monday seeking its intervention in ensuring that iron ore mining activities in the State continue post March 15. 

 

CLP  chaired by Leader Of Opposition Chandrakant Kavlekar is of the firm view that the party should do everything possible to protect the livelihood of nearly two lakh people who are dependent on the business, directly or indirectly. 

 

Kavlekar and Thivim MLA Nilkant Halarankar will be part of all party delegation led by Senior Minister Sudin Dhavalikar. The delegation which will be leaving for Delhi today evening, will be meeting Union Minister for Mines Narendra Singh Tomar and Minister for Shipping Nitin Gadkari.

 

Appointment with prime minister Narendra Modi is not yet confirmed.

 

“We have assured the people dependent on the mining industry to support them and government in ensuring that mining activities continue after March 15. We had extended our support even during their agitation at Azad maidan. Now there is no question of backing out,” Kavlekar said post meeting. 

 

“We are with the people and will take every step required to protect their livelihood,” he added.

 

Leader of opposition admitted that Reginald has a different view but clp other members are unanimous that we have to support government in the issue. 

 

Reginald had on Saturday termed the move of all party delegation has ‘farce’.

 

Meanwhile the barge owners today met CLP and submitted a memorandum seeking their support in convincing the government to ensure that mining activities continue in the state.