Six Goa MLAs including three state ministers have planned to visit Brazil to witness the FIFA World Cup and in addition to this the state sports department has sanctioned Rs 89 lakhs for the trip which prompted the opposition parties. The Goa Congress termed this decision as a 'wasteful expenditure' and suggested that MLAs can go on their own.

With the oppositions launching a massive attack and media criticizing, the MLAs and ministers have come to a decision to go to Brazil on their own expenses. Ministers Ramesh Tawadkar [sports], Avertano Furtado [fisheries] and Milind Naik [power], Silva [Independent], Glen Ticlo and Carlose Almeida [both from BJP] will be flying to Brazil to witness the biggest sporting event in their 10 days trip.

However, Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar defended the decision to send a delegation to the World cup on government expenses. Parrikar added, “government will see this as an investment. Goa has declared football as state sports and all the MLA who will flying to Brazil are football players infact.”

Though MLAs have made up their mind to take care of their expenses, they are yet to convey this to CM Parrikar. Sources say that they are expected to meet CM later in the evening and a decision would be finalized by then.

(AW: Vamshi)