MAPUSA
The Mapusa Municipal Council on Thursday unanimously resolved to install a statue of former chief minister late Manohar Parrikar and former deputy CM late Francis D’Souza in Mapusa.
The decision was taken after Akhil Gomantak Mahasangh Hitavardhak Mandal, a little-known organisation, proposed to the municipal council for erection of the statue of deputy CM late Francis D’Souza and suggested six places in town.
The mandal suggested that the statue could be erected at any one of the following places “ in/near the garden opposite the court, near Alankar theatre, near St Xavier’s College, near Sai Baba temple Cunchelim, near Kamat garden, Dattawadi and in Dr Lohia garden.
Senior councillor Prakash Bhivshet suggested that the statue be erected in front of the MMC building or near the new annexe building of MMC that is presently under construction.
Councilor Kamal D’Souza said along with the deputy CM, the statue of former CM Manohar Parrikar who has contributed a lot to the State should also be constructed in Mapusa.
“Former CM Manohar Parrikar has done a lot for the State and he was also a resident of Mapusa. Therefore the statue of Parrikar should be also constructed along with that of the deputy CM,” D’Souza said.
Councillor Tarak Arolkar said since Akhil Gomantak Mahasangh Hitavardhak Mandal has proposed the construction of the statue of only former deputy CM, he was ready to bear the expenses to construct the statue of former CM Manohar Parrikar.
According to councillor Sainath Raul, since the former deputy CM was an advocate by profession it would be appropriate to install his statue near the garden which is opposite to the Mapusa court.
Later, the councillors unanimously decided to construct the statue of both former CM Manohar Parrikar and former deputy CM Francis D’Souza in Mapusa.
