From Our Special Correspondent

Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji 

Panaji, Nov 14: With its former chief minister Manohar Parrikar at the helm of affairs of union defence ministry, Goa has decided to lease out 250 acres of land in South district to host annual DefExpo, the move has however been criticized by political opponents.

Rajya Sabha member Shantaram Naik tagged Parrikar as “official broker of Goa government.” But the BJP supported the move to hand over the hand stating “it was essential to boost the state’s economy.”
BJP state spokesman Dr Wilfred Mesquita said “the tourist taxi, restaurants, tea shops and others will have great business during the days of DefExpo.” The spokesman also said that in future there is a possibility that defence related companies might set up their base in Goa.

The DefExpo, which is the land, naval and internal security systems exhibition is scheduled to be held in Goa between March 28-31, 2016 (www.defexpoindia.in).

The Congress party, however, is not in a mood to buy BJP’s arguments. Congress’ RS Member Naik said there is a track record of defence ministry to grab Goan land. The senior leader alleged that BJP has put Goa on the sale and “it is unfortunate that Defence Minister is the official broker of Goa government.”
Naik pointed out that the land leased out to DefExpo was actually identified to be an Industrial Estate providing full time employment to the locals.

He said the allotment of land to DefExpo is a “criminal mis-utilisation of precious Goan land.”