PANAJI
Even as the Opposition comprising the Congress, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Revolutionary Goans Party (RGP) put up a united front against the controversial Section 39A of TCP Act, the decision of Vijai Sardesai to stay away from the recent protest march to TCP Minister Vishwajit Rane’s Dona Paula residence has triggered a public spat between the RGP and the Goa Forward Party (GFP).
The rift came to the fore after RGP leader Manoj Parab launched a scathing attack on Sardesai, alleging his involvement in land conversions and zone changes. Parab claimed that Goa was losing land due to excessive conversions under Section 16B, which was introduced by Sardesai, while in power.
“Because of 16B, Goa is losing land to rampant conversions and zone changes. MLA Vijai Sardesai introduced 16B and began the destruction of Goa. That is why he is not with us. He is involved in land conversions, land dealings and zone changes,” Parab alleged.
He further claimed that Sardesai did not participate in the Chimbel protest as he shares close ties with Minister Rohan Khaunte and did not oppose Section 39A in the Assembly. “He was at Azad Maidan only to protect himself, not to fight for the people. We will soon expose all those involved in land deals,” Parab said.
Responding to the allegations, Sardesai defended his decision to abstain from the march, stating that his primary concern was the safety of women and children who were part of the large gathering.
“As a public representative, it is my opinion that people should not be treated like cattle. People are not animals. Yesterday, when women and children were part of the protest and there was a huge crowd, a serious question of their safety arose. Who would take responsibility for their security?” Sardesai asked.
He maintained that ensuring public safety is the duty of elected representatives and asserted that he would not be dictated to by anyone. “Whoever comments against us is not my owner, and people are not cattle,” he added.
The exchange has exposed fault lines within the broader anti-39A platform, even as Opposition parties continue to oppose the provision and accuse the government of facilitating unchecked land conversions in the State.
