the goan I network
PONDA
In an apparent jibe at MGP leader and PWD Minister Sudin Dhavalikar, the BJP-backed Ponda Nagrik Samiti (PNS) on Saturday accused his organisation of trying to split the unity of Phondekars and appealed to people to avoid falling prey to his political tactics.
Despite being coalition partners in the State government, the local BJP unit has re-affirmed its rift with the MGP in Ponda city by taking an indirect dig at Sudin Dhavalikar in its manifesto released for the Ponda Municipal Polls (PMC). PNS on Saturday released its manifesto for municipal election and rejected allegations by MGP that its members had tried to block development of Ponda.
“We did not block development works. But in my ward, several works under PWD were blocked. I am, however, thankful to Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar and Urban Development Minister Francis D’Souza for helping carry out those works,” PNS member and sitting councillor Irvin Soares said.
BJP leader Sunil Desai, BJP Ponda Block President Vishwanath Dalvi, PMC Vice Chairperson Shantaram Kolvekar, Venkatesh Naik and Naguesh Priolkar were present on the occasion.
“Some ministers are offering government jobs to woo voters, while some are even are lured with a promise to engage their vehicles on contract basis and getting their building painted. They were begging candidates to withdraw their candidature with many offers,” Soares said.
“There will be offers from our rival. But people should prove that votes are not for sale.”
Asked if he had been targeting PWD Minister Sudin Dhavalikar, Soares replied, “Everyone knows who runs the Public Works Department.” Soares, however, declined to openly name Dhavalikar.
“One organisation is trying to split our unity. Do not fall prey to tactics and vested interests of this politician. He wants to bring those projects which he desires and not those demanded by people,” Soares said.
Commenting on the vexed Kranti Maidan issue which exposed the split between the BJP and MGP in Ponda town, Soares explained, “We had given a no-objection certificate to the Kranti Maidan work only for the replacement of pavers. We wanted it like the Lohia Maidan and Azad Maidan. But we were shown one plan and different things were executed there. Hence, we objected.”
Venkatesh Naik said the present PMC had successfully tackled the wet garbage menace. “Now, we will work to get rid of dry waste,” Naik said.
Venkatesh Naik said that vote for the PNS would be a vote for the betterment of Ponda.
