Those in govt high on action, low on drama: BJP ally Sardesai

Taking potshots at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the woes of the mining industry, the Goa Forward Party, its ally in Goa, said Tuesday that "those in the government" are "high on drama and low on action".

GFP president and Goa Town and Country Planning Minister Vijai Sardesai met representatives of those dependent on the mining industry in Delhi.

Talking to PTI on phone after the meeting, Sardesai said his party puts Goans first.

"Unfortunately, so far those in the government are high on drama and low on action," he said.

The mining activity in Goa has come to a standstill following a Supreme Court order which set aside renewal of 88 mining leases in the state in February this year.

"What we need is action to give relief to three lakh people (who are dependent of mining) and restart an activity which is the mainstay of Goa's economy," Sardesai said.

"Those who are part of the establishment" should state clearly that this problem is unsolvable and "stop playing hide and seek with people's livelihood", he said.

On the demand that his party walk out of the government to express solidarity with the mining-dependent people, Sardesai said, "Let them(the BJP) come out in the open (with its stand). Then we will do what we have to do ....We are Goans first before we are ministers and MLAs."
He refused to comment on election results in five states, but added that "this is a good time to remember that the Goa government exists because of our support to (chief minister) Manohar Parrikar, not to the BJP."