Panaji (Goa)
Bharatiya Janata party today conceded that due to suddenly developed health issues of chief minister Manohar Parrikar, there was a delay in working out solution for the crisis that were hovering on the mining industry in the State after Supreme Court order.
Senior BJP leaders including party Goa unit president Vinay Tendulkar and Union AYUSH minister Shripad Naik today told a press conference that the legal recourse for the mining crisis would be worked out only after the two-day-long scheduled visit of Union Shipping minister Nitin Gadkari on March 19-20.
The party, however, has asked the people dependent on the mining industry to withhold their protest planned on March 19 in Panaji as the solution for the issue would be worked out.
“We admit that there was a delay in finding solution for the mining crisis because of the sudden health issues developed by the chief minister. On February 14, the chief minister had called for the meeting of Members of Paraliament and legislators from the mining belt. But on the same day he fell sick,” Tendulkar told reporters today.
He said that the Chief minister had started the process to work out solution for this mining issue. “We were unaware about his health condition. Due to which there was a delay,” he said.
Addressing reporters, Naik said that “it was unfortunate that Parrikar fell sick due to which entire issue remained on the backburner.” “The attempts are now made to find solution for the crisis,” he said.
Nearly two lakh people have feared to be jobless after the mining industry has come to standstill from March 16 onwards due to the Supreme Court order which has quashed 88 iron ore leases.
The people dependent on mining have decided to hold mega rally in Panaji on May 19 to register their protest. On the same day evening, Gadkari would be arriving in the State on his two day long visit.
“I appeal people who are dependent on mining industry not to have protest in the city as all attempts are made to provide solution for this problem,” Tendulkar said.
Naik added that all the recourses would be discussed with Gadkari, including filing of review petition for which names of three prominent lawyers are shortlisted.
He said that Gadkari will meet BJP legislators tomorrow evening and then will hold discussion with the mining stakeholders during entire day on Tuesday.
