Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar
Facing criticism for a series of foreign tours at the taxpayer's expense, Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has reportedly acted against the media.
Mr Parrikar has reportedly moved a privilege motion against local newspapers for falsely reporting that a question on foreign trips was tabled in the state assembly.
The opposition alleges that Goa's BJP government allegedly spent some Rs 13 crore on tourism promotion tours since it came to power in 2012.
A proposed trip to Brazil, the venue of the FIFA World Cup Football tournament, earlier this month was cancelled after a huge backlash. Six people, including ministers, were to go on the trip, reportedly at the cost of Rs 89 lakh, to study traffic management systems in place in Brazil for the World Cup.
Goa's ministers and other politicians have reportedly traveled to countries like Russia, Germany, UK and China, claiming the tours were necessary to promote tourism and bring more revenue to the popular beach destination.
Reports suggest a trip to Spain, reportedly to promote a popular feast in Goa for a Spanish saint, was put on hold after criticism over the "World Cup" junket. Goa attracts three million tourists a year, which includes half a million foreign tourists.