Airport bores a challenge for Goa BJP

The Parrikar government’s decision to go ahead with the greenfield airport project at Mopa, North Goa has cast a shadow over BJP’s bid to retain the Cortalim seat which goes for a by-election on June 2.

Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar announced last week that the state government planned to move ahead with Goa’s second airport project because of the limitations of the Dabolim airport.  Located in South Goa, Dabolim operates as a civilian enclave within the Indian Navy’s INS Hansa air base. Parrikar also warned that a delay in the Mopa project could see Goa losing out to Maharashtra which plans an airport at Chipi, in Sindhdurga.

Regional parties like the UGDP and GVP are out to scuttle the BJP’s move by making it a  campaign issue.