Tamil Nadu CM has assured support for 'Goa Niwas' at Velankanni: Congress leader

Panaji, Jul 9 (PTI) Goa Congress president Girish Chodankar on Thursday said his party has secured a positive assurance from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay for the establishment of a 'Goa Niwas' at Velankanni, a major Catholic pilgrimage centre in the southern state. He said establishment of a 'Goa Niwas' at Velankanni in Nagapattinam district will fulfil a long-pending demand of lakhs of Goan devotees visiting the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Health in the coastal town in Tamil Nadu. During his recent meeting with CM Vijay in Chennai, in the presence of Congress MLA and Tourism Minister of Tamil Nadu Rajesh Kumar (Killiyoor), Chodankar held discussions on strengthening coordination among alliance partners and enhancing cooperation through a Common Minimum Programme. The Congress is a constituent of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)-led government in Tamil Nadu. The meeting provided an opportunity to raise issues of importance to the people of Goa, Chodankar said in a statement released in Panaji. Highlighting the hardships faced by lakhs of Goan pilgrims who visit the world-renowned Shrine of Our Lady of Good Health at Velankanni every year, Chodankar urged the Tamil Nadu government to allot suitable land for constructing a dedicated 'Goa Niwas' in the pilgrimage town. 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 the tourist state. Responding positively to the request, the Tamil Nadu CM immediately agreed in principle to the proposal and directed his Tourism Minister Kumar to initiate the process of identifying and earmarking suitable land for the project, said the statement. As an interim measure, Vijay assured his government would explore providing accommodation for Goan pilgrims through Tamil Nadu Tourism until the Goa Niwas is established, it said. The Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) president thanked the Tamil Nadu CM for his prompt and positive response to the demand of pilgrims and added "this shows our commitment to addressing the genuine needs of people." Chodankar said he is confident that, with sustained follow-up, the long-cherished dream of establishing a Goa Niwas at Velankanni will soon become a reality, benefiting lakhs of devotees for generations. The GPCC chief emphasised the Congress has always believed in delivering tangible benefits to people through constructive engagement and effective governance, and reaffirmed his commitment to pursuing the project until it is completed. PTI RPS RSY