In continuance with the Congress party’s tirade over the national president Amit Shah's party meeting at the Dabolim international airport in Goa, a local opposition leader on Thursday resorted to sarcasm as a form of protest by applying to the Airport Director to allow him to use the airport premises as a wedding venue.
In a letter to the Airport Director B.C. Negi, Goa Congress Secretary, Janardhan Bhandari, has also said that he would adhere to all provisions of law during the wedding, as long as he is granted permission to host the wedding at the airport. The meeting called by Shah at the airport premises last Saturday, was attended by around 2,500 party workers.
"I am very pleased to inform you that I have been engaged recently, and am planning to get married soon. Since my guests will be coming from various States and landing at Dabolim airport, and as such, I cannot afford to make arrangements for the stay and travel of so many guests, it would be nice if you could permit me to use your airport for my wedding reception in September 2017. I will fix the date as per the availability of the airport as per your convenience," Mr. Bhandari said.
The controversial meeting convened by Mr. Shah at the Dabolim Airport, which is operated by Indian Navy, had resulted in embarrassment for the state unit of the ruling BJP. A complaint has been filed by a local activist with the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation against Shah and local BJP office bearers, accusing them of flouting law and putting a Defence Ministry installation at risk.
While BJP Goa president, Vinay Tendulkar defended the meeting as “spontaneous gathering of people to see Mr. Shah,” Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar declined to comment on the issue.
