Goa minister Rane threatens defamation against BJP leaders

Panaji: Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Rane today warned Leader of Opposition Manohar Parrikar and his fellow BJP leader Kirit Somaiya that he would be filing a case against them for “defaming him in the illegal mining scam”. Rane, an MLA from Valpoi, said that both the leaders had made “baseless” statements against him in the media. “If they have proof of my connection with the illegal mining, let them come out with it,” the minister said, at a press conference. [caption id=“attachment_103734” align=“alignleft” width=“380” caption=“Goa exported 54 million metric tones of ore during last fiscal. Reuters”]  [/caption] Parrikar, who headed Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on illegal mining, allegedly made a statement regarding Rane’s alleged involvement in a TV interview. Somaiya, at a press conference last week, had named Rane and few other ministers, while pegging the illegal mining in Goa at Rs 25,000 crore. Rane said he stands by legal mining in Goa as several thousand people were dependent on it. “I do not support illegal mining activity,” he said, claiming that he had been communicating with the Centre, seeking to stop illegal extraction of iron ore. Justice MB Shah Commission’s report should be awaited before pointing fingers, Rane said. The commission had been probing the illegal mining. Goa exported 54 million metric tones of ore during last fiscal. PTI