Daijiworld News Network - Mangalore / Dubai
Mangalore / Dubai Oct 3: As just a few hours are left for the take off of the historic Air India Express flight from the city of Gold Dubai to the Rome of the East Mangalore, the battle has reportedly begun for the main credit for this marvellous job accomplished.
As reported in daijiworld's columns, the two famous Fernandeses (George and Oscar) have already camped in Mangalore. (However, speaking to the media on Monday on arrival, George said that he had not been invited to the airport function on Tuesday.)
It can be recalled here that a few years back when Konkan Railway came into operation, there was a huge confusion as which 'Fernandes' is behind that project.
Perhaps a similar question will come and both Fernandeses will be giving the details of their work to the public on Oct 3. George Fernandes reminded the mediapersons on Monday that it was he who got Rs 54 crore sanctioned for the initial work at the airport.
Whatever it may be, Oscar is representing Sonia Gandhi, though Sonia had been invited to be here on this glorious day but she could not make it. Civil aviation minister Praful Patel will be present as expected.
Naturally, the union government is the key and authorized body in granting the green signal, funds and other formalities. It is understood that Congress is taking all the credit for this project.
"This is not a small achievement. This is a historic day for Mangalore,' said M R Vasudeva, who being a product of the undivided Dakshina Kannada district, took all pains to have this mission completed, speaking to daijiworld from Bajpe. 'All concerned have played their own role, be a layman or a goverment agency. With their effort and the tremendous support from the media, we have been seeing the growth of this airport."
"The security and other formalities are done, we are just waiting for the flight," he said.
He did not comment on the post-arrival welcome programme at the airport, and also could not confirm who finally will be present as chief guests and speakers at the event.
But, it will be interesting to see who will claim what on this remarkable achievement. By protocol, chief minister, deputy CM and other ministers in the government will also present at the ceremony. It has been annouced that the CM would be flying into Bajpe at 2-30 pm.
From Dubai:
As excitement has started mounting in Dubai too, there will be a press conference inside the airport after the check-in. Prominent NRI entrepreneur B R Shetty is expected to address the press conferennce.
Daijiworld has already learnt that about 12 journalists and reporters from various media including TV crew and newspersons will travel to Mangalore on the first flight and return by the same flight.
"It is our duty to thank people who are behind this project," said B R Shetty to daijiworld
A traditional welcome awaits the first flight passengers from traditionally dressed men and women at the airport.
It is interesting to note that more than 60% of the passengers are not bothered about any post-arrival stage programme in Mangalore. They simply want to get down and make their way home. They are least bothered about the politics behind 'name' game.
"The right person will get the credit. The only important thing is to sustain this facility for a long time and the people of the region should be benefited," said one of them.
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