Sit-in at Azad Maidan over delay despite High Court orders
PANAJI
A disgruntled faction of the Bhandari Samaj staged a day-long sit-in at Azad Maidan in Panaji on Wednesday, protesting what they termed the government’s delay tactics in conducting elections to the managing committee of the Gomantak Maratha Samaj, despite High Court directives.
Led by Sanjeev Naik and Upendra Naik, the protesters accused the State government of deliberately stalling the election process by keeping the file pending with the law department and the registrar.
“We have shown patience for over a year, but the government continues to ignore the High Court order. This is nothing but divisive politics at the cost of our community,” Sanjeev Naik said.
The leaders alleged that despite assurances from Chief Minister Pramod Sawant during a meeting on October 8 — attended by BJP State president Damu Naik — the file has not been cleared.
“The Chief Minister promised approval the next day, but that tomorrow has never come,” Naik remarked, calling the delay a betrayal of the Bhandari community.
Protesters warned that the government’s attempts to divide the Samaj would not succeed.
“We are rebel Bhandaris. Our society cannot be split. We stand united with the blessings of our leaders and Rudreswar,” Naik declared.
The faction announced that the future course of action would be decided based on the government’s response to their agitation. They also claimed support from SC, ST, OBC and minority groups should the protest escalate.
