Ganesh Chaturthi greetings spark showdown between supporters of MLA Tuenkar and Panchayat member Volvoikar
Police intervene in Rumdamol to defuse tensions over Ganesh Chaturthi banner dispute.
MARGAO
A banner war erupted in Rumdamol ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi between two factions of the BJP itself — over Ganesh Chaturthi greeting banners.
The conflict broke out between supporters of Navelim MLA Ulhas Tuenkar and those aligned with Rumdamol Panchayat member Vinayak Volvoikar. Both groups sought to display banners extending Ganesh Chaturthi wishes to the villagers, leading to a banner war in the locality.
Tensions escalated when Volvoikar objected to a banner carrying the message of MLA Tuenkar being displayed in his ward. The objection sparked a counter-response from Tuenkar’s supporters, who defended the MLA’s right to place banners in the area.
To prevent the situation from getting out of control, Maina-Curtorim police, led by PI Arun Desai, rushed to the scene. Officers dispersed the assembled crowd from both factions, ensuring that law and order were maintained.
Speaking to the media, Vinayak Volvoikar expressed strong disapproval of the MLA’s banner in his ward, citing a lack of support and development. "The MLA has done nothing for my ward. Except for four jobs, no employment opportunities — like LDC or engineering positions — have been provided to our youth. That’s why I removed the banner. I will explain my reasons to the party leadership," he said.
However, another Panchayat member, Vijay Surme, refuted Volvoikar’s claims, defending MLA Tuemkar’s performance. "The MLA has already provided more than 80 jobs to youth across Navelim. Instead of creating divisions, Volvoikar should meet with the MLA to understand the work done over the past three years. He is opposing the banner because he wants to display his own banner rather than out of genuine concerns. We’ve obtained proper permission from the Panchayat to put up banners and organise programmes for the 21-day Ganesh Chaturthi celebration," Surme stated.
