Panaji: Goa Pradesh Congress Committee President Girish Chodankar has achieved a significant breakthrough towards fulfilling the long-pending aspiration of lakhs of Goan devotees by securing a positive assurance from the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for the establishment of a Goa Niwas at Velankanni.
During his recent meeting with the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Shri Vijay Joseph, in the presence of Congress MLA and Tourism Minister Shri Rajesh Kumar (Killiyoor), Girish Chodankar held detailed discussions on strengthening coordination among alliance partners and enhancing cooperation through a Common Minimum Programme. The meeting also provided an opportunity to raise issues of importance to the people of Goa.
Highlighting the hardships faced by lakhs of Goan pilgrims who visit the world-renowned Shrine of Our Lady of Good Health, Velankanni, every year, Chodankar strongly urged the Tamil Nadu Government to allot suitable land for constructing a dedicated Goa Niwas. He emphasized that such a facility would provide affordable, safe and convenient accommodation for Goan devotees and fulfil a long-standing demand of the Catholic community in Goa.
Responding positively to the request, Chief Minister Shri Vijay Joseph immediately agreed in principle to the proposal and directed Tourism Minister Shri Rajesh Kumar to initiate the process of identifying and earmarking suitable land for the project. As an interim measure, the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister also assured that his Government would explore providing accommodation for Goan pilgrims through Tamil Nadu Tourism until the Goa Niwas is established.
Expressing his gratitude, GPCC President Girish Chodankar said, “I sincerely thank Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Vijay Joseph for his prompt and positive response. This assurance reflects the spirit of cooperation between Congress-led governments and our commitment to addressing the genuine needs of the people. I am confident that, with sustained follow-up and our strong relationship, the long-cherished dream of establishing a Goa Niwas at Velankanni will soon become a reality, benefiting lakhs of Goan devotees for generations.”
Chodankar stated that the Congress has always believed in delivering tangible benefits to the people through constructive engagement and effective governance, and reaffirmed his commitment to pursuing the project until it is completed.
