Says authorities are trying to clear the mess they created
the goan I network
MAPUSA
Many in the opposition question the sincerity of the civic authorities to suddenly go into an overdrive to clear the mess, which they have created. “It’s the municipal council which has created all the confusion in the market. Some councillors have given spots to these vendors for a price and now they are trying to clear the mess they have created,” said Vinod Phadke, who contested as the MGP candidate from Mapusa.
According to Phadke, the recent action against the vendors was only a sham and after some time all of them would revert back to their places. There are others who allege that the council action has come as a face saver, to clear the corruption smear that has stuck on some of the councillors. Terming the action against vendors as “outrageous”, Goa Forward Party minority face, Feroz Khan said it was only to cover their past sins. “This action against the poor vendors is to cover the mistakes of the council and to hide the corruption charge against some of the councillors,” Khan lashed out.
There were yet others who said that the recent action against the vendors smacked of political vendetta and revenge politics. “The action has probably come because a lot of these vendors supported the AAP in the assembly election,” said Shraddha Khalap, AAP candidate from Mapusa.
She also attributed the action due to rally by the shopkeepers against MMC’s lack of interest in restoring discipline in the market. According to Khan, the council retaliated because many of the vendors took part in the rally organized by the shopkeepers.
“Action should be taken against councillors who have indulged in corruption. People have been made to sit in vacant spaces for a price and they have been evicted now,” said Vijay Bhike of Congress.
He said similar action was taken many times earlier but after few days it was business as usual in the market.
‘Results will depend on MMC’s consistency’
MAPUSA: Vice-President of Mapusa People’s Union and a merchant Sudesh Tivrekar said the outcome of the Mapusa Municipal Council’s action would depend on the council’s consistency to maintain discipline in the market. “If the council can keep the momentum and maintain constant vigil in the market so that it does not slip to old ways, then we can call the decision a brilliant effort,” Tivrekar said. For that to happen, the market inspectors should keep a constant watch on illegalities and immediately report to superiors, he added. “The civic body should now focus on clearing the footpaths and roads from encroachments as per HC order.” He also called for implementation of the Town Vending Act on top priority to restore discipline in the market.
