Says Cong to demand compensation to victims’ families to be doubled
VASCO
South Goa MP Captain Viriato Fernandes on Monday accused the BJP of politicising his recent visit to the Lairai Temple in an attempt to deflect attention from its administrative failures that led to the tragic stampede during the Lairai Jatra.
“The BJP claims I was felicitated at the Lairai Temple, but there was no such event. I had gone there simply to offer prayers and seek blessings along with a few people from different parts of Goa,” said Fernandes.
He explained that while exiting the temple, a person who identified himself as a panchayat member approached him and requested a brief meeting to discuss issues affecting the village.
“We went to a room where locals shared two major concerns — lack of railway employment opportunities and frequent delays at railway gates, which even obstruct ambulances,” he said.
Fernandes added that the villagers also spoke about the stampede and squarely blamed the administration for making no arrangements despite expecting lakhs of devotees.
“They told me that instead of accepting responsibility, the Government blamed the locals. We informed them that under the Disaster Management Act 2024, if over 30,000 people are expected, the government is bound to make proper arrangements — which clearly didn’t happen,” he said.
He maintained that his discussion with the locals was not political and happened in the context of a tragic event.
“When we were about to leave, a few locals came with a coconut and shawl — it was completely impromptu. I accepted them out of respect. Had I refused, the BJP would have accused me of insulting the people anyway,” Fernandes remarked.
The MP said the Congress would demand that compensation be doubled to Rs 20 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 10 lakh for the injured.
“Instead of taking responsibility, the BJP is trying to malign me and distract from their failure to protect devotees. People see through this and will not forgive them for politicising a temple visit and a tragic incident,” he said.
