PANAJI
Accusing TCP Minister Vishwajit Rane of short-term memory loss, a combative GPCC President Amit Patkar claimed Rane’s increase in arrogance is such that he does not even recognise the Opposition leader.
Patkar has now also demanded that Chief Minister Pramod Sawant intervene to control an ‘arrogant’ Rane.
After scrapping the ODP of Calangute, Rane told media persons that he did not know a Michael Lobo.
Objecting to Rane’s, attitude, Patkar said: “Rane is suffering from memory loss. Action by the TCP minister regarding cancellation of ODP is selective targeting the Opposition Leader Michael Lobo.”
"I demand the CM’s intervention and he should instruct his minister not to use such unethical and undemocratic language with arrogance,” said Patkar.
“If Rane cannot respect the leader of Opposition, what respect will he give a common Goan,” asked Patkar.
"The government has taken a case on suo moto basis and has cancelled the Calangute ODP which had been approved under the same chief minister. Why is an FIR not filed against those officers involved in the formation of ODPs,” asked Patkar.
“Is there no problem with the Taleigao, Mapusa, Margao ODPs? Is the problem only for Calangute ODP? The government is free to identify problems in the ODP, however it should not be misused”, he said.
Patkar sought to know why the minister, who has been vocal in favour of action against Michael Lobo’s structures, did not speak about the action in the Mika Singh case and the Old Goa illegal construction case.
The GPCC president said the government’s decision to increase FAR in Old Goa would have a damaging effect.
"Are there sufficient infrastructure, water and sanitation facilities in Old Goa. You want to construct skyscrapers. Who will stay in these buildings,” asked Patkar.
“There are so many complaints of violation of CRZ, so why is there no action? When there is an issue of Vagheri, why was an FIR not registered,” asked Patkar.
Patkar said the government’s vindictive action against Lobo was discussed in detail at the Congress Legislative Party meeting and added that the Congress is united on the issue.
PROTEST ON MONDAY
The Congress has decided to stage a protest on Monday at 11 am before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) office, after accusing the government of selective action to target the opposition.
“Vindictive politics is not only limited to Goa but it is also at national level. Even Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi are being targeted by the government using the Enforcement Directorate, We condemn this,” said Patkar.
