Rane defends dept, alleges large-scale land conversions under Cong rule
MAPUSA
Town and Country Planning (TCP) Minister Vishwajit Rane went on the offensive during Question Hour on Thursday, repeatedly counter-attacking opposition MLAs as he faced sustained questioning on the functioning of the TCP department, turning routine scrutiny into a series of sharp political exchanges.
As Opposition members raised questions on land-use decisions and departmental replies, Rane responded in an assertive and combative manner, frequently challenging the framing of questions and insisting that due process had been followed.
The minister, who also holds the Health portfolio, maintained an aggressive line throughout the session, leaving little room for extended opposition interventions.
The debate reached a flashpoint when Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao rose to seek clarifications, drawing a sharp rebuttal from the minister.
Rane shifted the focus to the opposition’s record, alleging that large-scale land conversions had taken place during Congress-led governments and claiming that over nine crore square metres of land had been converted during that period.
“Congress destroyed Goa by converting land, including salt pans and protected areas. The party has no right to speak on corruption,” Rane said, addressing the Opposition benches.
Earlier, Aam Aadmi Party MLA Venzy Viegas accused the TCP department of repeatedly providing inadequate replies to questions raised in the House, including a postponed question from the previous Assembly session.
Seeking details on cases disposed of and dismissed, Viegas said the information furnished so far lacked clarity.
“This is happening every time. The department is not giving proper replies. We need proper details,” Viegas said.
Rane rejected the charge, stating that replies had been duly tabled and that the department could not furnish additional information in cases that were sub judice.
“If there is anything specific, the member can ask. We cannot give details in cases that are before the courts,” he said.
GFP MLA Vijai Sardesai also attempted to intervene during the exchanges but was unable to secure an opportunity amid the sustained back-and-forth between the treasury and opposition benches.
Throughout Question Hour, the minister consistently responded to opposition scrutiny with counter-claims and firm assertions, projecting confidence in his departments and rejecting allegations of irregularities.
Opposition MLAs, however, maintained that their questions were aimed at accountability and transparency in a department that plays a decisive role in land governance.
The sharp exchanges underscored the charged political atmosphere in the House, particularly on issues related to land use and planning, which continue to remain a major point of contention between the government and the opposition.
