Congress will not allow Goa to become 'coal hub': Rahul

Panaji: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said his party would not allow Goa to become a coal import hub if voted to power in the Assembly elections next year.

The increase in the import of coal through the Mormugao Port in the BJP-ruled state and double-tracking of the connecting railway line were designed to help a particular businessman, he said, addressing a Congress workers' convention near here.

Under the Narendra Modi government at the Centre, "sector after sector" was being monopolized by the same five to six industrialists, said Gandhi.

Today I met fishermen, they told me that railway line is being doubled, coal import through the port has increased and Goa is turning into a coal hub, he said. "We will not allow Goa to turn into a coal hub," he asserted.

He also met people affected by the closure of iron ore mining industry in the state, the Congress leader said.

Lakhs of people suffered due to the mining closure, and they said the mines will go to the people Delhi wants. The mines will go the same person, Gandhi said, without naming anybody.

If voted to power, Congress will restart mining activity in Goa in a legal way, he assured.

Airport is for Adani, Port is for Adani and Goa's mining is also for Adani. What is happening for you? Gandhi asked.

The prime minister's famous 'Acche Din' slogan was meant not for common people but for "Adani and Ambani", he alleged.

You will recall, some years ago the PM came on the televison and did what is now called as demonetisation. He cancelled the thousand rupees note, Gandhi said, alleging that its purpose was to help certain business families.