In Goa polls, BJP wants to encash on mining issue

Panaji, Jan 19: After exposing the Digambar Kamat led government on illegal mining front, Goa BJP has now woven its election campaign around the raging issue, promising people to save legal mines and providing them amenities through revenue earned from iron ore exports.

Leader of Opposition Manohar Parrikar told reporters that the amount of revenue which should have been directed to the mining affected areas is not coming through. "If BJP comes to power, we have assured that all the money collected in the form of mining revenue would be used here," he said.

Parrikar, who headed controversial public accounts committee (PAC) report, which brought to light the illegal mining, said the party has been facing various questions from the people dependent on mining during election campaigning.

"Our stand has been clear. We are in favour of legal mining and we are in the know of the problems faced by the people who are dependent on illegal mining. Once we are in power, we will find out solution for those people who have invested in the mining sector and fear to lose their livelihood due to closure of illegal mining," he added.

Parrikar said the Congress led government has failed to come to the rescue of people living in mining belt. "BJP has aimed to spend at least half of the amount earned from here in infrastructure creation of the mining belt," he said.

Goa has been reeling under a controversy of illegal mining in which ore worth several crores was sent across the border without paying royalty or tapped by violating environmental norms. The Union government appointed Shah Commission is probing into the illegalities.

PTI