Panaji (Goa) Union Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari today said that the legal opinion would be sought to solve the current crisis faced by the mining industry in Goa due to the Supreme Court order.

Gadkari who arrived in Goa last evening held meeting with the BJP legislators, mining stakeholders and alliance partners in BJP-led government during last one and half days.

“There were many opinions which were expressed by those who met me. Some felt that the SC order has been wrongly interpreted, while many felt that they were not represented in the apex court due to which the verdict went against the industry,” the minister told a press conference flanked by all the ruling legislators including those from the coalition parties.

Gadkari said that it has been decided to consult legal brains on this matter who will analyse the order and work out solution for it. “The stakeholders can also consult their legal experts including former high court or supreme court judges and get the opinion on the matter,” he said.

“After we collect all the opinions, the government will consult Attorney General for his opinion before going for the legal recourse,” he said adding that entire process would be done expeditiously considering the sensitivity of the situation.

“We will get all the opinions within eight days and refer them to the attorney General of India,” he said responding to a question.

Gadkari said that till the solution is worked out the people of Goa should maintain peace as Central and State government are both aware about the situation they have been going through.

The minister also conceded that the current crisis on the mining industry would spell economic slowdown for the State. “Government of India and Government of Goa very well know the financial problems that would be faced by people dependent on this industry. There has been loss even to the mine owners but their situation is not worst like that of common people who were earning from this industry,” he said.

Gadkari said that he had spoken to chief minister Manohar Parrikar last night who is currently being treated in the USA and he would not be able to come in the state for another six weeks. 

“This is a transition period of two months during which the State will have to bear. Parrikar will recover and come back to take over the reign of the State,” he said, while ruling out the leadership change in the government.