MAPUSA
Stating that the new statue of Shivaji should not have been erected in a hurry, Calangute MLA Michael Lobo said there was no objection for the statue that was installed earlier in a private property.
Lobo also said that the incident in front of the panchayat was not in good taste, and peace and harmony, which Goa is known for, should remain at all cost.
“I don’t think anybody wanted to remove the statue. It should have happened in a nice way. Also, it should not have been installed in a hurry. There was no objection to the earlier statue which was installed nearby. Even I had not objected to that site,” Lobo told The Goan, clearly indicating that the local MLA and the sarpanch are on the same page on the issue.
He said some boys had approached him stating that they wanted to install a statue of Shivaji near the police station and that he had advised them to take everyone into confidence, including the panchayat and all members.
“They have installed the statue on their own. The PWD and Traffic Cell’s permission is required. A statue (bust of Shivaji) was already installed earlier in a private property close by. If that area had to be made slightly bigger…It was an ideal place…,” the MLA said.
He said with the new statue, the vision of vehicles using the road was getting blocked.
“The PWD and the Traffic Cell will have to work on it. They will have to come up with another traffic circle or some planning in the area,” he said.
Expressing disappointment over the ruckus in front of the panchayat office on Wednesday, Lobo said it should have not happened as it sent a wrong signal across Goa and internationally.
“People have seen videos on social media. It’s not good. Not in good taste. Goa is a peaceful State. Peace and harmony should always remain in Goa,” he averred.
