New Delhi: Delhi and Goa Chief Minister engaged into war of words on on Thursday over Goa government’s decision to doubling of a century-old railway line in and around Mollem village.
The Twitter exchange started with a tweet by Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal on Nov 9, where he referred to ongoing ‘Save Mollem’ campaign in Goa against development projects that will sound the death knell for its oldest wildlife sanctuary and a national park.
Goans camping day n nite to #savemollem and stop #coalprojects. FIRs done against many Goans incl AAP volunteers. Muzzling protests and lodging FIR will not dampen spirit of Goans to save Goa from being a coal hub. Govts shud not implement projects against the wishes of people.
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) November 9, 2020
Following this, Goa CM Pramod Sawant told Delhi CM to focus on tackling pollution in the national capital and not worry about the former. This triggered series of exchanges on Twitter.
.@DrPramodPSawant Its not abt Delhi’s pollution vs Goa’s pollution. Both Delhi and Goa are dear to me. We are all one country. We all have to work together to ensure there is no pollution in both Delhi and Goa. https://t.co/AWiIg7zX1W
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) November 11, 2020
Dear CM @ArvindKejriwal ji, we are making sure that there is no pollution issue in Goa and our Govt will ensure that our state remains pollution free. I am sure the people of Delhi also want the same in their beautiful state. https://t.co/tUHU2wqmdV
— Dr. Pramod Sawant (@DrPramodPSawant) November 11, 2020
It is heartening to hear that @DrPramodPSawant ji. Goans are opposing double tracking project. Kindly hear their voice n #savemollem as they are lungs of Goa. I understand Centre is forcing this project on Goa. Pl stand wid Goans, say NO 2 centre n save Goa from becoming coal hub https://t.co/nxiLNgbOWC
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) November 12, 2020
Dear @ArvindKejriwal ji,
Doubling of Railway tracks is a nation building exercise.
There is no threat to Mollem & we will ensure it remains that way.
We will not allow Goa to become coal hub.
Knowing your expertise in creating Center vs State issues, we will skip your advice. https://t.co/R0nyO8Bzry
— Dr. Pramod Sawant (@DrPramodPSawant) November 12, 2020
.@DrPramodPSawant ji, you don’t need to listen to my advice but please listen to the voices of Goans. Shouldn’t Goans have some say in their own state? Is Central diktat more important than Goan voices? https://t.co/aApYjBxZzq
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) November 12, 2020
Our feet and ears are firmly on the ground @ArvindKejriwal ji.
Please stop your divisive politics of Center vs State. We are ONE NATION !
धन्यवाद् ? https://t.co/btoe83Q5lx
— Dr. Pramod Sawant (@DrPramodPSawant) November 12, 2020
In one of the rejoinders, Goa CM took a jibe at Kejriwal, saying “Knowing your expertise in creating Centre vs State issues, we will skip your advice.”.
The track doubling project from Castle Rock railway station in Karnataka to the Tinai Ghat station in Goa, which requires felling of about 50,000 trees has created huge uproar. Opposition has been up in arms against Goa govt, claiming that the project would lead to felling of thousands of trees in Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary and the National Park at Mollem.
Goa opposition, including AAP have accused BJP government of trying to help multinational companies by the doubling of tracks so that coal at Mormugao Port Trust can be transported it to the companies’ plants in Karnataka.
