PANAJI: As St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar entered the sixth day of his hunger strike, opposition leaders met Governor Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju to urge urgent intervention on the repeal of Section 39A of the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Act.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao said the Governor had assured him he has the powers to convene a special Assembly session and would discuss the matter with the government. “We emphasised the urgency due to MLA Borkar’s deteriorating health. There is a real risk of organ failure if the fast continues,” Alemao said.
Alemao explained that the repeal demand is based on a bill drafted with guidance from retired Chief Justice Ferdino Rebello. “This bill addresses scrapping certain sections in the TCP Act that allow large-scale land conversions. The matter is sensitive and could pose law and order challenges, with threats reportedly made to activists and citizens participating in protests,” he added.
He further stressed that the movement is a collective effort. “NGOs, activists, and citizens are all contributing to this initiative. MLA Borkar’s fast reflects a legislator standing up for his villages. The focus must remain on the functioning of this section and immediate action for health reasons,” Alemao said.
AAP Goa President Valmiki Naik noted that CM Pramod Sawant has agreed in principle to scrap Section 39A but stressed it must be done in the Assembly. “While everyone has appealed to MLA Borkar to end the hunger strike, he has a mind of his own and has resolved to continue until his demand is met. We urge the CM to take this seriously and cooperate,” Naik added.
Alemao, meanwhile, added that political theatrics are to be expected. “There will be twists, turns, and allegations, as is often the case with the Bharatiya Janata Party. The CM has claimed ten files are missing, but whether they are or not, this should have been addressed immediately, not days into the agitation,” he said, emphasizing that despite such distractions, the opposition’s focus remains on Goa’s interests and keeping the public informed.
