Will lift Goa mining ban if BJP comes to power at Centre: Modi

BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi today said that his party would lift the ban on mining in Goa and also accord special status to the state, if voted to power at the Centre.

"Mining is an important trade. It should not just be for the sake of mining. It should be for the economy of the state. This industry is important for strengthening Goa's economy," he said while addressing a rally at Merces village near here.

"If the raw material is locked and you sleep over the issue in Delhi, then no one can save Goa's economy from being doomed," Modi said referring to the current ban on the mining activity due to the Supreme Court order.

He said that human resources, infrastructure and raw material for the economic welfare of the country.

"We will protect the environment and transparent process would be adopted in the mining trade, which is currently on hold because of the lethargy of the central government."

"Now the ban would only be for a few months," he claimed hinting at taking steps to lift the ban on mining if voted to power at the national level.

On the demand for special status for Goa, the Gujarat Chief Minister said, "This special status is not for financial purpose, but the state wants to protect its identity and culture. I would be proud to fulfill this demand.