Goa scribes boycotts press meet on Queen’s Baton Relay

PANAJI - A journalists’ group in Goa Sunday boycotted Chief Minister Digambar Kamat’s press conference in Margao to announce the itinerary for the Queen’s Baton Relay, scheduled to be held on Tuesday, as the chief minister failed to arrive even after an hour.

South Goa Journalists Association (SGJA) general secretary Prasad Nagvekar told IANS said that 15 journalists were informed at short notice about the press briefing in Kamat’s home constituency.

“We were told that the chief minister would brief us at 1.30 p.m. today at the South Goa collectorate about the Queen’s Baton Relay. Then the venue was suddenly shifted to a government guest house at 2.10 p.m. But neither Kamat nor any official was present,” Prasad said.

Prasad further said that there was no sign of Kamat even as late as 2.20 pm.

“The delay and change of venues was infuriating. But, when we questioned one of the organisers about it, she said that ‘the chief minister was offering lunch after the briefing, so it made sense for journalists to wait’,” said Prasad.

He said this was the last straw and the SGJA, which represents nearly 50-odd journalists boycotted the press conference.

When contacted for a comment, Kamat’s media advisor, Suresh Walve said he was unaware of any such boycott. “Whom should I ask? I will see if I can get some information on this.”