MAPUSA
Once a close aide of Calangute MLA Michael Lobo, former Arpora-Nagoa sarpanch Roshan Redkar has challenged the MLA and his wife, Delilah Lobo, to an open debate over the Birch fire case, which claimed 25 lives in December 2025.
Redkar, who resigned from the BJP on Monday, alleged that he was implicated in the case despite having no connection with the tragedy. He blamed Michael Lobo for his decision to quit the party. “I was in the BJP, but because of Michael Lobo, I have been forced to leave the party,” Redkar said, challenging the Lobo couple to debate the matter publicly at any venue.
The fallout marks a further deterioration in relations between the former political allies. Following the fire, Redkar was named in the case, arrested and sent to jail. He was also disqualified as a panchayat member.
Redkar’s resentment grew after Lobo publicly named him and levelled allegations against him. He has also expressed displeasure with certain BJP leaders, indicating wider differences with the party leadership.
Despite the political fallout, his family retains a local foothold, with his wife winning the ward by-election.
