Congress leader Margaret Alva dismissed the demand of Goa Konkani Rajya Ekikaran Manch for merger of three talukas of Uttara Kannada ? Karwar, Joida and Haliyal- with Goa as ?absurd?. She was speaking to Deccan Herald on Friday. Her view is significant as she is congress in-charge of Goa.
It was impossible to form states in India on the basis of language and religion. Such efforts would lead to fragmentation of India, she said. She condemned the Manch for raking up such issued instead of focusing on development of Uttara Kannada District. The Goa government has no intention to seek the merger of these talukas. She claimed that she knew who was behind this demand for merger. The manch must be asked to which state all the linguistic groups of India belong, she said. She flayed such demands personally and on behalf of the congress party. Linguistics people group must be allowed to live in peace.
Congress president had short-listed her name among the four women for the President’s post, she revealed with joy. Sonia’s decision to have a woman president was a matter of joy for all Indian women. Why didn’t the BJP choose a woman candidate for the presidential poll? She asked.
Margret Alva flayed the state government for encouraging communalism. She praised to CM H D Kumaraswamy’s village visits, but added that the government was behind in taking up developmental work. Speaking as a special guest Margaret Alva, former MP and AICC general secretary said that the development needed one’s positive attitude and propaganda. The press and public must be partners in the developmental programmes to be undertaken.
Former minister and MLA R V Deshpande who preside over the function said that big projects were not suitable to the district in view of the environment preservation. However, he said that small scale and cottage industries could be developed in a substantial way as environment was conducive in the district.
Courtesy:sahilonline
