Ponda
In an unusually embarrassing situation for the BJP in Ponda on Tuesday, PWD Minister and MGP leader Sudin Dhavalikar inaugurated the Deen Dayal Swasthya Seva Yojana centre at Sub District Hospital, Ponda, by cutting the ribbon before Industries Minister Mahadev Naik arrived at the venue.He then lit the traditional lamp before PMC Chairperson Dr Radhika Nayak arrived on stage, snubbing pleas by Ponda Municipal Councillor Sunil Desai to wait for the two BJP leaders.“The first citizen of the city (Dr Radhika Nayak) should be punctual at the function,” was Dhavalikar s blunt justification to go ahead with the function without waiting for Dr Nayak.The incident, which left tongues wagging and BJP supporters fuming at the end of the function, began when Dhavalikar reached the venue before the schedule time of 10.30 am at Sub District Hospital. He was later joined by his party MLA Lavu Mamledar. Sticking to punctuality, Dhavalikar and Mamledar decided to go ahead with the ribbon cutting ceremony at about 10.40 am, ignoring requests by PMC councillor and BJP Councillor Sunil Dessai to delay the cutting of the ribbon as Mahadev Naik and Dr Nayak had not reached the venue.Dhavalikar politely told Dessai that they would go ahead with the ribbon-cutting ceremony and would wait for some time inside the hall for Mahadev and Dr Nayak to arrive.After the ribbon was cut, Dhavlaikar and Mamledar proceeded to the hall, when the industries minister entered the venue.Since he had other programmes scheduled for the day, Dhavalikar decided to light the traditional lamp as soon as Naik arrived in the hall. For the second time, Desai appealed to Dhavalikar to wait for some more time till Dr Nayak arrived at the venue.“We should wait for Dr Nayak for some more time, to follow the protocol,” claimed Desai.However, Dhavalikar bluntly told Dessai that he would not wait for any more time as it was already late and went ahead with the lighting of the lamp.Dr Nayak turned up at the venue some time later, but the function had already begun by then.“I admire Shantaram Kolvekar as chairperson, though he is PMC vice-chairperson. His presence is enough to inaugurate the function,” smiled Dhavalikar said while justifying his decision to inaugurate the centre.“She is a teacher and should know the importance of time,” said Dhavalikar, much to the anger of BJP supporters.Later speaking to The Goan, Dhavalikar defended his actions. “When a BJP person raises the issue of protocol, the chairperson (first citizen of city) should be punctual,” said Dhavalikar.When contacted, Sunil Desai he said he did not want to comment in the incident.
