the goan I network
VASCO
Opposition councillors alleged foul play in the council’s drive against encroachments by fruit and vegetable vendors in the market and the issue was raised after the special meeting of the Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) on Monday.
While opposition councillors said some fruit vendors had accused some councillors of demanding money from vendors, MMC Chairperson Kritesh Gaonkar refuted the allegations, terming them as futile attempts by disgruntled vendors to stop MMC from carrying out such drives.
Former MMC chairperson Deepak Naik told reporters that a rally by vendors chanting anti-MMC slogans had created a wrong image about all 25 councillors.
“After the special council meeting was over, I questioned MMC chairperson on the rally by fruit vendors, since a rally against the MMC meant a rally against all of us.”
“When I contacted a vendor, he said some councillors had asked money and since money was not paid, the drive against encroachments was conducted.”
“Encroachments should be cleared but poor vendors cannot be harassed. Harassment is not an alternative. Vendors should not be evicted but constrained to the space allotted for business by the MMC,” said Naik.
Refuting the allegations, Gaonkar claimed that allegations were bound to take place in politics.
“We have only done our job and since the vendors have been affected by the drive, they have come up with the story. Why was no encroachment drive taken up during their term,” asked Gaonkar.
Gaonkar also pointed out that it was only because of the anti-encroachment drives, the MMC had realized that many vendors had not paid their fees and licenses were not renewed.
“A huge amount of Rs 8 lakh was recovered from fruit vendors in two days alone and the other market vendors have already begun clearing MMC’s outstanding dues.”
“Today, you will not find a single vendor on the footpaths all across the city. People have appreciated our drive and its not like we have warned the vendors and backed off. A visit near TB Cunha Chowk or Rajani store near old market will prove our work. There used to be several fruit vendors on the footpaths near the old fish market but now all are cleared.”
“I appreciate my staff for the fantastic job and we get several messages daily appreciating our works. We will continue our drive and there will be no compromise on our drive against encroachments. Our work speaks volumes of our achievements and these allegations are baseless,” said Gaonkar.
