MARGAO
Goa Forward Chief, MLA Vijai Sardesai has called off the four-day Big Fat Carnival Blast in Fatorda after accusing the “evil triangle” comprising of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Congress-turned-Margao MLA Digambar Kamat and arch political rival Damu Naik, of sabotage.
“It’s a sad day for the people of Fatorda that the Big Fat Fatorda Carnival Blast has been forced to cancel.
I believe that the same evil triangle is standing in the way of all progress in Margao and Fatorda is also behind this”, Sardesai told the media flanked by Goa Forward Councillors, Pooja Naik, Ravindra Naik, Johnny Crasto, Francis Joanes, Nimisha Faleiro and Vitorino Tavares.
He directed his ire at political friend-turned-foe, Digambar Kamat, saying after recruiting Digambar Kamat with the promise of position, they are now overseeing the all dirty political operations in Goa with focus on South Goa. To completely destroy political dissent and opposition is a part of the plan to achieve this objective, along with silencing every public movement and activity that questions their hegemony and authority. Even BJP stalwarts are discontented and aggrieved by the efforts of the triangle to be a power unto themselves above the party”, he said.
He said he tried his best, on behalf of the people of Fatorda and Margao, going from one government entity to another, pleading for permissions for this immensely popular, fully people-organised carnival fest to be allowed, but to no avail.
Sardesai said even after getting the approval from Art and Culture Minister, Govind Gaude, enormous pressure has been brought on the government by this Triangle to sabotage this one of a kind, people-driven carnival. “I must thank the Minister for his help, but one by one, even well-meaning ministers and bureaucrats were coerced and persuaded under threats to toe the line”, he alleged.
Turning his tirade at the Margao MLA, Sardesai said Digambar has fit very well into the BJP plan, but apart from the betrayal of the people and the insult to God, he has nothing to show, and that will remain his legacy. He claimed that the Margao MLA is asking for sponsorships for the Margao Carnival float parade from Corporates, adding he would disclose the names of these corporates at the right time.
“Despite all the concerted and powerful efforts to stop all good from happening in Fatorda and Margao, and attack on me personally, I’m not deterred. I’m not shaken. In fact I will continue to expose great harm they are doing to Goa and its people”, he said, adding that he is hopeful of the defeat of the triangle.
