the goan I network
MARGAO
The BJP has rallied behind the party MLAs, whose names were unveiled at the Lohia Maidan by Goencho Avaaz as being the beneficiaries of RP21, with party South Goa spokesman Sharmad Raiturcar condemning the attempts to defame and tarnish their image with false and baseless claims.
Saying that Goencho Avaaz should not indulge in the selective target of politicians, Sharmad said doubts have been raised why the organization at its meeting at Lohia Maidan has omitted several other names, including that of the Church, which had applied for change in zones in the Regional Plan.
Addressing the media along with BJP Zilla Panchayat member Ulhas Tuemkar at the South Goa party office, Raiturcar said he is not casting any aspersions against any religious group or individuals, but underlined the need to take a stand against all illegalities without any discrimination. Rubbishing the allegations levelled against BJP Legislators, including Curchorem MLA Nilesh Cabral as false and baseless, he charged Goencho Avaaz for making the allegations without any study or evidence. While condemning the allegations against party MLAs, Sharmad said the party will stand by the MLAs for whatever action or stand they take against all those who charged the MLAs as being beneficiaries of RP2021. “MLA Nilesh Cabral has already clarified his stand. The entire plateau at Verna is a flat piece of land where he has purchased for industry. Where’s the question of conversion of the zone to settlement”, he asked.
Sharmad said that party MLAs are ready for a public debate on the issue, while throwing a gauntlet at Goencho Avaaz leadership to participate in a debate.
Taking strong exception to the emerging trend that people tend to oppose anything and everything in the state, Sharmad said no attempt should be made to divide the society on religious lines or instill fears in the minds of the people against a particular political party or group. “We are not against sustainable development. But, when one makes allegations, it should be supported with documentary evidence”, he added.
He demanded that the government orders an inquiry into the approval of zones granted in the RP 2021 when the State was ruled by then Chief Minister
Digmabar Kamat.
