MARGAO
Political leaders from the Maratha Samaj, cutting across party lines, condemned the incident at Sao Jose de Areal and made a fervent plea to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to immediately intervene and ensure that the name of Maratha warrior Shivaji Maharaj is not used to divide the people of Goa.
Vikas Bhagat of the Goa Forward Party, Aam Admi Party leader Sandesh Talekar and Adv Viraj Nagekar told the media at the historic Lohia Maidan at Margao on Monday evening that it is the duty of the Shiv Premis to ensure that the name of Shivaji Maharaj is not misused for vested interests.
Vikas told the media that the government machinery, including the police extended support to carry Shivaji statue to the site.
“When the minister asked the people why they are opposing Shivaji statue, the villagers replied they have no objection to the statue, but to the illegality. Our party leader Freddy Travasso was assaulted by the police”, he said.
Vikas pointed out that it is now apparent that an attempt was made to build a road to the statue site in order to develop the plots in the area.
Adv Viraj Nagekar charged the government for supporting the illegality of installing the Shivaji statue without permissions when the statue can be installed in a legal manner.
“The matter was sub judice in the instant case since the Panchayat neither rejected nor granted permission for the statue”, he said.
AAP leader Sandesh Talekar pointed out that Shivaji was against illegalities and injustices against any community.
“I come from the Maratha community. But I feel sad what is happening that when goondagiri is indulged in the state under the name of Shivaji Maharaj."
He has urged Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to register a case against the Social welfare minister for fomenting trouble at Sao Jose de Areal.
