Say dismissed Sarpanch, Panchayat Secy being made scapegoats
PANAJI
Reiterating charges that the BJP-led government was responsible for the deaths of 25 people in the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub fire, opposition MLAs on Monday demanded fixing of political responsibility for what they termed a “man-made tragedy.” The opposition raised the issue in the Assembly, leading to heated exchanges and their eventual marshaling out of the House.
Addressing the media after being marshalled out, Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao alleged that the dismissed Arpora Sarpanch and Panchayat Secretary were being made scapegoats to shield ministers involved in granting illegal permissions. “Twenty-five people were murdered. This was a black day for Goa. The government is inhuman. These were Indian citizens and political responsibility has to be fixed,” Alemao said.
He questioned the role of the Home, Panchayat and Environment Ministries, asking what steps they had taken to prevent such a tragedy. “Can the government guarantee that this incident will not happen again?” he asked, alleging that concerned ministers were part of the “corruption that led to the murder of 25 people.”
Alemao further claimed that law and order was out of control, environmental destruction was rampant, and there was a complete collapse of administration and governance. He also criticised the Governor for remaining silent on the Birch fire and alleged environmental violations, claiming the Governor was “reading a script given by the government.” The marshaling out of opposition MLAs, he said, was “against democracy.”
GFP MLA Vijai Sardesai said the action against local panchayat officials was “mere eyewash.” He pointed out that the nightclub was allegedly constructed on a saltpan and khazan land, and demanded accountability of the officers and ministers involved in granting permissions.
RGP MLA Viresh Borkar described the incident as the “biggest tragedy to hit Goa,” alleging that khazan land was falsely shown as settlement land to secure approvals. “Such permissions cannot be granted without ministers’ blessings. The concerned ministers must take responsibility. Goa’s name has gone for a toss,” he said.
AAP MLA Venzy Viegas alleged that illegal permissions granted by the government led to the loss of 25 innocent lives. “The BJP is a heartless party. We demand special discussion on the incident,” he said.
