Panaji, May 30 (TOI): Chief minister Laxmikant Parsekar on Sunday said that he does not regret not be able to get special status for the state during the BJP government's current tenure in the state.

Reacting to a question, whether he regretted not being able to get special status as the BJP government is celebrating the last Goa statehood day in its current tenure, Parsekar said, "The question of regretting does not arise. We have tried our level best, given the best administration and best facilities. We have reached every nook and corner of the state and reached out to needy people." tnn
He also said that state government benefits are reaching 25% of the electorate every month and roughly you many consider, 90% of the people in the state have enjoyed the benefits of this government.
Parsekar also said that he doesn't think that because of not getting special status there would be any dilution of culture or identity.

In it's election manifesto, the BJP had promised to get special status for the state. Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his election rally had also mentioned about the special status for the state.
Asked about the resolution being passed by the assembly for getting special status for the state, Parsekar said he was not against getting special status for the state and that he would be happy if the state gets it.

Even if there ia a BJP government is at the Centre it is not possible for the Union government to grant special status to Goa as there are lot of similar demands pending from other states.

Earlier, terming special status as something which can't be achieved, Parsekar had said he would not like to waste his energy working on something that is unattainable.

Reacting to Congress national spokesperson Sanjay Jha's comment that Goa is not safe for tourists, Parsekar said that Goa is safe and we are trying to make it safer. He also that it was the Congress who created mess in the state and the BJP government is trying to clean up that mess.

"We cannot change overnight but we are taking precaution that those activities (casinos and drugs) are not being encouraged in the state. All these activities were started during the tenure of the Congress government and they should immediately provide the information to their central leader as they know it better," Parsekar said.

While giving an example of appointing lifeguards to make Goan beaches safe, he also said that we are trying to make Goa safe on all fronts.