MAPUSA
Accusing the BJP-led government of selectively harassing a certain group of people, the Nationalist Congress Party General Secretary Sanjay Barde on Monday said the Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) has issued notices to individuals for illegally constructing houses just when civic elections were round the corner.
“Around 153 notices have been issued to owners living in communidade land in Mapusa, Khorlim and Cunchelim and in private properties, calling them for inquiry on January 20, 2021. The action of the civic body at a time when civic elections are due smacks of harassment to instil fear in the voters,” Barde said.
The NCP general secretary along with party workers was addressing a news conference in Mapusa.
Continuing, Barde said the BJP has been known for using such tactics of carrot and stick method to influence the voters particularly during the election time.
He said the government should initiate steps to regularise illegal houses so that municipalities can gain revenue.
“Former chief minister late Manohar Parrikar had come out with a legislation to regularize illegal houses. What has happened to that? Has the government taken any action on it?” he asked.
Incidentally, the State government had passed a legislation to regularise structures in one’s private property in 2016. The government had then instituted a cut-off date of Feb 28, 2014 to consider applications to legalise the structures.
The NCP general secretary further alleged that one individual had filed a complaint in the municipal council against the 153 structures and was threatening the owners of the illegal houses.
Condemning the BJP-led government for stooping to cheap level to harass poor people, Barde said NCP will back the owners who have been issued the notices.
