PERNEM
The national flag may have been ceremoniously hoisted on Liberation Day in Pernem, but high drama also unfurled when Forest Minister Rajendra Arlekar and an activist were engaged in a heated exchange during the official programme.
The incident took place during the Liberation Day function at the government complex, Pernem, moments after Arlekar had concluded his speech.
An activist and president of Pernem Taluka Gomant Bhandari Samaj Umesh Talavnekar suddenly rose from his chair and proceeded towards the dais, where he accused politicians of being liars.
“You politicians are liars, why are you making political statements? Instead, speak on the 'mundkar' issue. Your government has done injustice to the 'Kul Mundkar'.”
“Instead of speaking on these issues, why are you making political statements on the Liberation Day programme,” Talavnekar accused Arlekar.
Taken aback, Arlekar waited for the function to end and confronted Talavnekar outside the dais.
“You don't have manners, you have interrupted the programme,” Arlekar hit back, as heated arguments prevailed between Arlekar and Talavnekar for some time.
Pernem PI Sanjiv Dalvi, however, intervened in the matter and pacified Talavnekar, before the activist dispersed from the site.
