THE GOAN NETWORK
VASCO
A fresh political showdown has erupted between Mormugao MLA Sankalp Amonkar and South Goa MP Captain Viriato Fernandes over the development of the Rose Circle ground at Sada, with both leaders levelling allegations at each other.
The controversy flared up after MLA Sankalp Amonkar on Tuesday launched development works at the Rose Circle ground and took a dig at MP Fernandes, who had recently announced that he had received a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to take up the same project under MPLAD funds.
Amonkar accused Fernandes of misleading the public and alleged that the MP was engaging in a publicity stunt.
“He displayed the NOC on the very day I received the work order. If he genuinely intended to develop the ground under MPLAD funds, why didn’t he begin the work earlier? What was he doing all this while? He is only trying to fool the people with fake publicity. He should stop misguiding them and get on the ground instead of playing politics,” Amonkar stated.
Responding to Fernandes' earlier criticism over the MLA’s alleged inaction on coal pollution in the constituency, Amonkar launched a scathing counterattack.
“He is busy talking about coal and dust pollution, but he himself is not seen on the ground. He sits in Delhi and interacts with owners of coal handling companies, while making baseless allegations against us. I challenge him to deny this and prove otherwise — we have proof of his dealings. Let him come to Damodar Temple and refute my claims,” said Amonkar.
In a strong rebuttal issued on Wednesday, MP Captain Viriato Fernandes dismissed Amonkar’s remarks and questioned the MLA’s moral standing.
“My life is an open book. Amonkar has no moral right to speak about me when he himself betrayed the people’s mandate by joining the BJP despite winning on a Congress ticket. He took oaths in a temple, church, and dargah that he wouldn’t defect — and yet he switched sides,” said Fernandes.
“Let him clarify who is taking 15% commission from port-based firms. Several companies have reportedly exited Goa Port because of pressure tactics. He should answer these allegations instead of challenging me. I am ready to come to any temple — I am not a betrayer,” Fernandes asserted.
