Goa, Sept. 5 -- Vasco MLA Krishna Daji Salkar has come under heavy criticism from local activist Swapnesh Sherlekar, who accused the legislator of making contradictory and hypocritical statements on the contentious coal handling issue in Mormugao.

Sherlekar pointed out that Salkar, in a recent media interaction, had defended coal handling operations at the port, claiming that the project would enhance connectivity and boost tourism in the coastal state. He further asserted that late Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar's concerns over the project were linked only to its financial burden on the exchequer and not to objections over its impact.

The activist, however, recalled that during a public hearing on environmental concerns in 2017, Salka...