MARGAO: Sharp differences over the installation of Dr Jack de Sequeira’s statue in the Legislative Assembly came to the fore at the South Goa Zilla Panchayat meeting on Friday when a motion tabled by Nelly Rodrigues in support of the statue did not find favour with the body.
While Nelly said the statue of Dr Jack de Sequeira should come up at the Assembly complex, ZP member from Shiroda, Jaideep Shirodkar demanded to know why only the statue of a particular personality should be installed when several leaders, including Shabu Desai had actively participated in the Opinion Poll movement.
While Nelly maintained that she is entitled to her point of view, Shirodkar said the government should take cognizance of the statement made by PWD Minister Sudin Dhavalikar demanding acquisition of land admeasuring two lakh sq mts to install the statues of prominent freedom fighters and leaders who participated in the Opinion Poll movement and cautioned that vested interests should not be allowed to indulge in politics on the issue.
Chairperson Navnath Naik demanded to know why Vijai Sardesai did not get Dr Jack de Sequeira’s statue in the Assembly when he was part of the Congress ruling the State in the past. ZP member Ulhas Tuemkar said the ZP should not deliberate on the contentious issue when the Legislators are expected take a call on the issue in the ensuing session of the Assembly.
