* Pernem MLA, one group of locals oppose festival * Ruling panchas, another group support festival * Key p'yat meeting set to discuss issue today
People opposed to the proposed Sunburn festival Dhargalim protesting outside the Dhargal panchayat.
PERNEM
A major split over the Sunburn Festival proposed at Dhargal later this month was evident in the village on Sunday, with Pernem MLA Pravin Arlekar and a number of villagers vehemently opposing the festival while ruling members of the panchayat and another group of villagers voicing their support to the festival.
A crucial panchayat meeting on Monday is expected to discuss the issue surrounding the proposed festival.
OPPOSITION
A large crowd gathered outside the panchayat office to protest against the proposed Sunburn village.
Addressing the crowd, Pernem MLA Pravin Arlekar said the people had not been informed about plans regarding the proposed Sunburn Festival.
“Not only do we not want the Sunburn festival in Dhargal, but we do not want it in entire Pernem taluka. There will be no Sunburn festival in Dhargal and if the Panchayat grants permission to the festival at its meeting on Monday, I will intervene in the matter,” warned Arlekar.
“Sunburn Festival is not our culture. If people of Dhargal do not want this festival, then authorities should not allow this festival in the village. I was not consulted in this matter and if I had been asked for my views, I would have opposed the festival from the beginning.
Among those present at the protest meeting included a number of present and former sarpanchas and panchas from different parts of Pernem constituency, BJP workers and a number of activists.
A large police force was present outside the panchayat building. Incidentally, none of the panchas from the ruling group in Dhargal panchayat were present at the protest meeting.
SUPPORT
On the other hand, a public meeting in support of the proposed Sunburn Festival was convened by panchas from the ruling group in Dhargal panchayat and attended by another group of residents and businessmen at the Kamakshi Hall, Dhargal,
Dhargal Sarpanch Satish Dhumal said the people should support Sunburn Festival considering the economic and employments benefits to the village.
Speaking on the occasion, Sarpanch Satish Dhumal said,” If people want the Sunburn Festival and there are necessary checks to ensure it is organised in a proper manner, we will support it.
Another speaker, Mohan Naik, claimed that many people who staged a protest meeting outside the panchayat office were not from the village.
“There were a few from the village who are protesting against Sunburn Festival. Why did they not come out in protest when other projects were set up in Dhargal village,” remarked a resident.
“Today, political leaders gather people to protest for their selfish interests. If some project comes to the village which can help people and the village, why oppose it? In the name of culture, some of these politicians are instigating people to oppose such projects.”
“Why did MLA Praveen Arlekar not oppose a cement project in the village which is affecting people,” added Mohan Naik.
In his address, Sarvesh Karapurkar said they had put forth certain demands before the panchayat.
“If they fulfil these demands then they should give permission to the Sunburn Festival. This event is only for three days. If locals are given employment or related support for waste management in the village, why should this event not be held,” asked Karapurkar.
A group of residents then raised their hands in support of the festival.
