Says complaints are politically motivated and aimed at stalling projects ahead of Assembly polls
MAPUSA
Calangute MLA Michael Lobo appears increasingly concerned over growing opposition to his aggressive development push in the coastal belt, admitting that several complaints and letters have been submitted against ongoing works.
Speaking at the inauguration of hotmixing work on a key road in Calangute, Lobo launched a sharp attack on unnamed opponents, accusing them of trying to stall development projects in the constituency. “Nobody should come in the way of development. We may have different opinions on different subjects, but when it comes to development, everyone should be on the same page,” Lobo said during an emotionally charged speech.
The MLA said several complaints and representations had been sent to authorities, including the panchayat, GSIDC and even the Chief Secretary, regarding various works underway in the constituency.
“I know who these persons are. But I am not going to name them and make them famous,” he said, indicating growing frustration within his camp over attempts to question or stop projects being carried out under his leadership.
Lobo alleged that some individuals were deliberately creating hurdles in development works for political reasons ahead of the next Assembly elections.
“Everyone wants to achieve something and everyone should try to do so. But they should not come in the way of ongoing work to create obstacles,” he said.
Taking an indirect swipe at his political rivals, the coastal MLA claimed that some aspirants were trying to build a political narrative by opposing his projects in the hope of emerging as future MLA candidates. “Some are trying to do this with an intention of getting a chance to become MLA in the future, but that will not happen. The people of Calangute know what development is,” he asserted.
Lobo further said that development works, including sports infrastructure projects, would continue across Parra, Arpora-Nagoa, Calangute and Candolim despite the opposition.
Also present at the function was Joseph Sequeira, who recently indicated his intention to contest the forthcoming Assembly election.
Sequeira thanked Lobo for facilitating approval for the road hotmixing project and credited him for pushing development works across the constituency.
Several roads in Calangute have received fresh hotmix surfacing over the past two years. Even when the PWD faced financial constraints, major road works continued through GSIDC, where Lobo serves as chairman, reinforcing his strong push for infrastructure projects even as criticism over his style of development continues to grow.
