Blames stay on demolition for loss of lives
VASCO
South Goa MP Captain Viriato Fernandes on Wednesday held the State government responsible for the deaths of 25 people in the devastating fire incident at Birch by Romeo Lane at Arpora.
Fernandes launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led government while speaking to reporters during his campaign for Congress Zilla Panchayat candidate Vasant Naik at Marathi Camp, Zuarinagar in the presence of Youth Congress working president Mahesh Nadar, Sancoale panch Maurelio Carvalho, fishermen leader Olencio Simoes, party office-bearers and local residents.
Terming the Birch fire tragedy as a “murder by the government”, Fernandes said the Arpora sarpanch had issued a demolition order as early as March, but the action was stalled by the suspended Director of Panchayats Siddhi Halarnkar.
“Twenty-five innocent lives were lost because the demolition was stopped. We have seen how over 3,000 demolitions were blocked, while the same department aggressively demolishes the houses of the poor,” he said.
“There cannot be two Goas—one for the rich and powerful and another for the poor. The law must be equal for everyone,” he asserted.
Backing the Congress candidate, Fernandes said the party had fielded an honest and experienced leader in Vasant Naik, who had earlier served as ZP member from the Sancoale area and delivered several development works.
Mahesh Nadar said the Congress campaign was receiving an overwhelming response.
“People are angry with corruption and double standards, and they want clean representatives who will stand with them,” he said.
Vasant Naik, in a brief statement, said he was committed to transparent governance. “If elected, my priority will be people-centric development and ensuring that the voice of every village is respected,” he said.
