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Goa Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte tells APN News: “If you do wrong, the people will show you the way home…”

Published

3 years ago

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In an exclusive interview to APN News, Goa’s Tourism, Information Technology, including Printing and Stationery, Minister Rohan Khaunte spoke of the future of Goa scaling new heights in tourism. Khaunte not only wants to imprint the identity of Goa on the world map as a location for beautiful beaches but also for history, tradition and heritage. Excerpts from the interview:

Question: How will tourism of Goa evolve over the next 20 years, what initiatives are you taking to further it?

Minister Khaunte: Till now, the tourism of Goa was dependent on the excellent sea here, but now we are moving forward thinking of changing this image of Goa. Tourists will come to Goa only when we make special preparations for new and different programmes for them. Every year, no one will come to see the sea of Goa. Goa will now witness many projects like Spiritual, Adventure Tourism, Eco and Hinterland Tourism, which will be a huge opportunity for tourists. Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new Mopa airport in North Goa. This project will provide many possibilities in the tourism sector. Along with tourism, we have also started the facility of home stay, under which tourists will get a pleasant experience of tourism in the interior areas of Goa.

Question: What steps are being taken for the protection of the environment in Goa in the next 10 years?

Minister Khaunte: The natural environment is God’s gift to Goa. No new tourism project will come up which will harm this environment. Before bringing a new project, a complete study of its impact on the environment will be done. No project will be approved without study, which may become a threat to the environment here. We have constituted the Goa State Tourism Board, which decides on the proposal for a new project after brainstorming. Goa is the first state to constitute this board.

Question: After late Manohar Parrikar, you are representing the people of Goa in other parts of the country, how do you see the political future of Goa as a minister?

Minister Khaunte: I have been an eyewitness to many political ups and downs in Goa, I have also been a participant several times. I worked as the Minister of Revenue, Employment, Printing and Printed Materials for two-and-a-half years in the Parrikar government. In the Assembly elections of 2012 and 2017, I was elected as an independent candidate. But in the 2022 election, I contested as a BJP candidate and won. It is true that along with Parrikarji, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Minister Nitin Gadkari, former Maharashra CM and current Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis have also been instrumental in my joining the party. I consider myself a public servant first. It is my earnest desire to do the work necessary for the welfare of the people of Goa along with the keeping the image of Goa.

Question: How do you see your political future?

Minister Khaunte: Politics is the only field where what you think does not happen. Your future is decided by the people who elect you. Do good work, you will get good results. If you do a wrong thing, the people can also show you the way home. The people liked the work I did as an independent MLA till now, this is the reason that voters gave me a third chance in March 2022 after joining the BJP. It is my duty to not let down the trust reposed in me by the people for the third time. I am dedicated to fulfilling my duty. I know that if one does good work, the people will support you.

Question: How can cultural and heritage tourism of Goa be handled in an era of modernization?

Minister Khaunte: The cultural and heritage tourism of Goa has progressed with tradition for many years. The cultural and traditional tourism here has been the specialty of Goa. Temples, churches and many historical sites have been highlights of Goa’s tourism. Be it the Mahadev Temple of Tambdi Surla, Saptakoteshwar Temple of Narve or other temples of Goa, thousands of years of heritage is behind it. Even after years, his specialty did not get affected in the era of modernization. Recently, the Saptakoteshwar temple in Narve was reconstructed. But during this time, care was taken that the tradition and history were maintained. This temple was built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Question: What role will the Information Technology sector play in presenting the tourism industry of Goa to the world?

Minister Khaunte: The role of the Information Technology sector will be very important. In the digital age, where all the services are under the control of information technology, integration of tourism sector with it can bring a big change. Goa is the only state where we started the concept of #WorkingGoa. Under this, the IT class coming to Goa could stay connected to office along with their vacation. Work is on to bring about improvements in connectivity issues in rural areas. Tourism and information technology have an inextricable relationship. This relationship has been worked out keeping in mind that both will walk on a new path of development in the region which is just beginning.

Question: What is your opinion about the political ups and downs at the Centre in 2024 and how can Goa’s economy go ahead other than tourism?

Minister Khaunte: Not only the whole country, the world is also watching the work experience of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. That’s why India has emerged as Vishwaguru. Keeping this in view, I do not think that there is a possibility of a change at the Centre in 2024. It is the good fortune of India to have a leader like Modi. The India which other countries were seeing from a different point of view till date has now changed, and everyone is now looking at India with respect. This is the charisma of Modi. This is the result of his ideology, I believe. As for 2024, this time the slogan of 400 (Lok Sabha seats) will be there.

If you talk about Goa’s economy, the mining has been its mainstay till now, but after it was stopped, the burden of the state’s economy fell on tourism industry. Over the years, tourism has contributed a lot to revenue. It will increase further with new projects and possibilities.

Many new proposals are in front to strengthen the economy of Goa, which is dependent on the tourism industry. They will be implemented only after detailed consideration. These schemes have the potential to boost tourism as well as strengthen the economy of the state.

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Abhishek Banerjee says will not bow to BJP after nearly 11 hours of ED questioning

After spending nearly 11 hours before the Enforcement Directorate, TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee said he would not bow to the BJP and accused the ruling party of using investigative agencies for political purposes.

Published

7 hours ago

on

June 16, 2026

By

Abhishek Banerjee

Trinamool Congress leader and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee on Tuesday said he would not bow to the BJP after spending nearly 11 hours being questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with an ongoing investigation.

Speaking after the questioning, Banerjee alleged that central agencies were being used to target opposition leaders and asserted that he would continue his political fight despite what he described as sustained pressure.

The TMC leader has repeatedly maintained that investigations involving him are politically motivated, a charge he has made on several previous occasions while appearing before central agencies.

His appearance before the ED comes amid a period of heightened political activity and multiple investigations involving leaders in West Bengal. Recent days have also seen Banerjee face summons and questioning in separate matters by state investigative agencies.

After leaving the ED office, Banerjee reiterated that he would not be intimidated and said he remained committed to his political responsibilities. He also accused the BJP of attempting to weaken opposition parties through investigative action, an allegation that the BJP has rejected in the past.

The Enforcement Directorate has not publicly commented on Banerjee’s remarks. The investigation related to the questioning remains ongoing.

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India News

DMK attacks Rahul Gandhi, accuses him of weakening opposition unity

DMK has intensified its criticism of Rahul Gandhi, alleging that the Congress leader’s actions have weakened opposition unity and strained relations within the INDIA bloc.

Published

7 hours ago

on

June 16, 2026

By

Rahul-Gandhi

The war of words between the DMK and Congress has intensified, with the DMK launching a strong attack on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and accusing him of contributing to divisions within the opposition alliance. The criticism comes amid strained ties between the two parties following their political split in Tamil Nadu.

According to the DMK, Rahul Gandhi’s political approach has weakened unity among opposition parties. The party’s IT wing mocked the Congress leader on social media, while an editorial published in the DMK’s official mouthpiece Murasoli questioned his recent remarks on opposition solidarity.

DMK questions Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on opposition unity

In its editorial, Murasoli argued that Rahul Gandhi was speaking about opposition unity despite, according to the DMK, contributing to disagreements among alliance partners in several states. The publication cited criticism directed at Congress by various opposition parties and suggested that the party’s actions had often created tensions within the INDIA bloc.

The editorial also referred to past political disputes involving Congress and Left parties, particularly in Kerala, claiming such episodes had raised concerns among opposition allies about Congress’s approach toward its partners.

Tamil Nadu political fallout adds to tensions

The attack comes after a major political realignment in Tamil Nadu. Following the 2026 Assembly elections, Congress ended its alliance with the DMK and joined the government led by Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). The move left the DMK in the opposition and significantly altered the political equation between the two former allies.

The DMK has alleged that Congress benefited from the alliance during the election and later abandoned its partner. The party’s editorial questioned whether assurances from Congress leadership would be trusted by alliance partners after the developments in Tamil Nadu.

Congress rejects allegations

Congress has not issued a detailed official response to the editorial, but party sources have rejected the allegations. According to the party, its decisions in Tamil Nadu were made in line with the mandate delivered by voters and were not intended to undermine either the DMK or the broader opposition alliance.

The latest exchange highlights growing strains between two key opposition parties even as leaders continue to stress cooperation on national issues. Just days earlier, Rahul Gandhi had said that the DMK remained aligned with the opposition on defending the “idea of India” despite political differences.

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India News

Congress, SP send mixed signals on AIMIM’s role ahead of 2027 Uttar Pradesh polls

Congress and Samajwadi Party leaders have responded differently to questions about AIMIM’s role ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, highlighting ongoing discussions over opposition strategy.

Published

1 day ago

on

June 15, 2026

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Differing responses from Congress and Samajwadi Party leaders have highlighted varying approaches within the Opposition camp regarding the possible role of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) in the run-up to the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.

The discussion gained momentum after AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi launched his party’s campaign preparations for the 2027 elections from Bahraich and reiterated that his party is open to alliances, provided it is treated with respect and as an equal partner.

Different responses from Congress and SP

Reacting to questions about a possible understanding with AIMIM, Congress leader Imran Masood said any decision on alliances would be taken by the party leadership. He also stressed that there could be no compromise with communalism.

On the other hand, Samajwadi Party leader Ram Gopal Yadav adopted a more accommodating tone, stating that anyone capable of defeating the BJP would be welcome. His remarks were viewed as leaving the door open to broader anti-BJP political cooperation.

The differing responses have drawn attention as Opposition parties continue to assess their electoral strategies ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.

AIMIM steps up preparations

AIMIM has begun expanding its campaign activity in Uttar Pradesh, with Owaisi launching the party’s preparations from Bahraich. The Hyderabad MP has indicated that AIMIM is willing to consider alliances but has maintained that any partnership must be based on mutual respect and equality.

The party is also working to strengthen its organisational presence in the state as it seeks a larger role in Uttar Pradesh politics ahead of the next Assembly election.

No formal alliance announced

Despite the ongoing discussion, no formal alliance or seat-sharing arrangement involving AIMIM and major Opposition parties has been announced so far.

With more than a year remaining before the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, political equations are expected to evolve as parties finalise their strategies and alliance plans.

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