MLAs Venzy Viegas, Cruz Silva and others while meeting ex-Sancoale Sarpanch Premanand Naik on Wednesday morning. Photo by Vikram Nayak
THE GOAN NETWORK
VASCO
Former Sancoale Sarpanch Premanand Naik’s indefinite hunger strike, launched to oppose the Bhutani Infra project in the village, has garnered significant support from politicians across party lines.
Several politicians visited Naik on Wednesday, appealing to him to withdraw his strike but Naik remained steadfast in his strike till the license issued to Bhutani Infra is revoked.
Among those who expressed solidarity to Naik was Cortalim MLA Anton Vas, who visited Naik late Tuesday night.
Speaking on the issue, Vas said the people of Sancoale should stand firmly behind Naik in this fight.
“I have done everything within my power, including raising the matter in the Assembly and submitting the villagers’ memorandum to TCP Minister Vishwajeet Rane. Now, it is crucial that the Sancoale Panchayat convenes a special meeting to revoke the license. Legal opinion can follow, but the Panchayat must act now,” said Vas.
Vas further voiced concerns about Naik’s health, urging him to reconsider his decision.
“Naik is a senior citizen and could face serious health complications if this strike continues. The Panchayat must revoke the license without delay,” he added.
South Goa MP Capt. Viriato Fernandes also met Naik on Wednesday morning, appealing to him to end the hunger strike.
“Premanand Naik has always been an inspiration, a guiding light for us. His decision to adopt the Gandhian way of protest is admirable, but his health is at serious risk. Sancoale will lose a gem if anything happens to him, while the project proponents and panch members will remain unaffected. I request Naik to break his fast for the sake of his family and the people who need him,” Fernandes said.
An AAP delegation, comprising MLAs Venzy Viegas and Cruz Silva, met with Naik on Wednesday afternoon, and later visited the Sancoale panchayat secretary, demanding the immediate withdrawal of the license issued to Bhutani Infra.
MLA Cruz Silva emphasised the urgency of the situation, stating, “The government should direct the panchayat secretary to revoke the license and issue a stop notice to the project. Our goal is to save the life of Premanand Naik and stand with him in this fight against Bhutani Infra.”
MLA Venzy Viegas also spoke to the media, pointing out the inaction of the BJP government.
“It has been three days since Naik started his hunger strike, and the Government remains silent, even though the issue could be resolved swiftly. I’m not asking Naik to withdraw his strike, but we need to act fast. We must meet the right authorities, secure proper documentation that the project has been scrapped, and only then can we convince Naik to stop the strike,” Viegas said.
In addition to political leaders, several other figures, including Congress leaders Olencio Simoes, Orville Dourado, Elvis Gomes, Velsao Sarpanch Diana Gouveia, social worker Roquezinho D'Souza, and Fr Bolmax Pereira visited Naik to express their support.
Despite the growing support, Naik remained firm in his stance and said he will not end his hunger strike until the license issued to Bhutani Infra is revoked.
