the goan I network
MAPUSA
Urban Development Minister and member of the Cabinet Advisory Committee Francisco D’Souza on Thursday said the growing protest against the PDAs was orchestrated by the opposition to achieve its political ends.
“The opposition to PDAs is partly politics. People are always used to politics. In this case, the opposition is using the people. You can see it in the tone of the agitation,” D’Souza told The Goan.
He said the government was doing nothing unlawful as constitution of PDAs was allowed under the Town Planning Act.
“It’s not a big issue. People have to either go to the town planning department or the PDA. What the town planning does is replicated by the PDA. Villages come under town and country department, and cities fall under PDAs,” he said.
“But if people want or don’t want it is a different political issue,” he added.
D’Souza also said that although the TCP minister was capable of handling the issue, the CM should be kept abreast of the developments.
“The PDA issue is with the TCP minister. It has nothing to do with the CM per se. His (CM’s) advice could be taken, but it’s for TCP minister to decide. That issue can be resolved at that level…But of course, CM’s advice is always required. He must be kept in the loop,” said D’Souza, who is also the leader of the BJP legislature wing.
It may be recalled that last Sunday, the Parra special gram sabha ended in a stalemate after several villagers raised questions against local MLA and NGPDA Chairman, Michael Lobo’s decision to include the village in the PDA.
On Wednesday, locals from various villages in St Andre refused to allow PDA officials to speak and urged the local MLA Francisco Silveira to resign from the Greater Panaji PDA committee.
Last month, St Cruz MLA Antonio Fernandes was forced to resign from the Greater Panaji PDA after facing severe pressure from his voters.
