PWD Minister Digambar Kamat refuted Congress allegations that he was behind the MMC’s decision to deny permission at Lohia Maidan for Rahul Gandhi’s rally. Santosh Mirajkar
MARGAO
Firmly refuting the Congress’ allegationsblaming him for sabotaging the venue for Rahul Gandhi’s rally in the city, PWDMinister Digambar Kamat on Wednesday wondered how he could be blamed for thefailure to secure Lohia Maidan or Costa ground for Rahul Gandhi’s meeting whenhe does not own any of the venues shortlisted by the Congress for Sunday’srally.
In fact, Kamat accused Congress leaders ofdragging him into the venue controversy out of frustration over their failureto mobilise support for the scheduled rally from Ana Fonte Garden to the MargaoCricket Club for Rahul Gandhi’s rally.
Addressing the media, the PWD Minister, whoalso represents the Margao constituency in the Goa Legislative Assembly, said,“I flatly deny the allegations. One, I do not own any ground in Margao, be itthe Costa ground, the MCC ground or Lohia Maidan, which is owned by the MargaoMunicipal Council. The Congress is misguiding the people. Madgavkars know mevery well. I am not the person who will sabotage anyone’s meeting or theirvenue.”
He, however, hastened to add that the venueswere available for meetings and rallies after applicants complied with thelaid-down process. “Lohia Maidan is issued to the applicant who applies firstfor the meeting and makes the payment. There’s a system which needs to becomplied with. In the past, I could not hold the Food and Cultural Festival atthe Costa ground after the management refused to issue the NOC,” he added.
Saying that the Congress had dragged him intothe controversy to cover up its failure to secure a venue for Rahul Gandhi’srally, Kamat said, “They know why their rally from Ana Fonte garden toDaivadnya junction has failed. They have accused me of issuing threats topeople not to attend the rally. I am not the person who will threaten people.They should think before making statements,” he said, adding that the people ofMargao would give them a befitting reply in the coming polls.
