MARGAO
Action mulled against flower vendors conducting business along Station Road near Pimpalkatta threatens to snowball into a major political controversy, with the regional outfit Goa Forward Party warning of an agitation in support of Goan flower sellers across the state.
Most of the affected vendors hail from the Fatorda constituency, prompting Fatorda MLA and Goa Forward chief Vijai Sardesai to issue a strong warning. Sardesai has threatened to expose what he claims are widespread illegalities in and around the Margao market, allegedly in violation of High Court orders.
Coming out in defence of the embattled flower vendors, Sardesai accused the Margao Municipal Council (MMC) and the authorities of selectively targeting vendors from Fatorda and a particular community. “Why is the MMC cracking down on these flower vendors when rampant illegalities continue unchecked in the Margao markets in clear violation of High Court directives?” Sardesai questioned. “If we open the can of worms in the market, the MMC and those in power will be forced to run for cover. Are all the gaddas operating in the city holding the mandatory licences? Why have these gaddas become stationary when their licence conditions require them to be removed after business hours?” he asked, accusing the civic body of turning a blind eye to such violations.
