the goan I network
VASCO
Hitting back at Mormugao MLA Milind Naik over his allegations of illegal activities at the Murgaoncha Raja Pandal in Vasco, four councillors accused Naik of pressurising authorities to remove partitions and decorations of the pandal.
Councillors Shradda Amonkar, Bhavna Bhosle, Nilesh Navelkar and Murari Bandekar addressed a news conference outside the Murgaoncha Raja Pandal on Friday, to refute allegations by Naik on dubious activities at the shed.
"Authorities are being pressurised by the local MLA to remove partitions and decorations of the pandal," said Councillor Nilesh Navelkar.
Councillors Bhavna Bhosle and Shradda Amonkar alleged that Naik had planned the demolition and removal of structures since the Murgaoncha Raja group had not supported him in the last elections.
"Locals, authorities and police did not find any illegality here, but the MLA has claimed a lot of illegal activities are happening here. He can take direct action instead of holding press conferences and speaking lies," said Amonkar.
Councillor Murari Bandekar said Ganesh festivities were a symbol of unity and Naik should not use divide and rule politics to interfere in the pandal hosting Murgaoncha Raja.
"We will not be responsible if a law and order problem arises over attempts to tamper with the religious pandal," warned Bandekar.
Suraj Chodankar, a local and organiser of various cultural events, requested Chief Minister, who is also home minister, to intervene and set up a investigation team to ascertain Naik's that the pandal is a hub for drugs and a meeting point for pedlars.
"We don't permit footwear inside the pandal. The question of drugs does not arise at all. If anything is found here, they can hang me in public," said Chodankar.
