Sit-in footpath protest called off after stop-work order issued

RGP MLA Viresh Borkar along with RGP President Manoj Parab and other party members in celebration mode on Thursday.

Photo Credits: Manuel Vaz

OLD GOA

After holding sit-in protest on the footpath outside the building housing the Dy Town Planner's office in Panaji, RGP MLA Viresh Borkar finally called off the protest on the fourth day after the TCP issued a stop-work order for the retaining wall on Bambolim beach front as well.

Earlier, the TCP had issued the stop-work order to the Bambolim hotel project also and the MLA had remained firm that his indefinite sit-in protest would continue till TCP acts against the retaining wall project as well.

Speaking to reporters at the protest site, MLA Borkar informed that they have received the copy of the stop-work order for the retaining wall on Bambolim beach front, which was his second demand.

"So, as my two demands have been fulfilled I am calling off my sit-in protest but our fight has not ended. In fact, it has just started. Now that we have tasted success in my constituency, we will replicate the same in other constituencies as well," Borkar informed.

Further, MLA Borkar said that the RGP's legal team will follow up on the twin issues if the stop-work orders are challenged in the courts.

Speaking on the occasion, RGP President Manoj Parab slammed the TCP department for making their MLA protest on the footpath to take action against the twin projects.

“The RGP did not have any option left but to take the extreme step of holding a sit-in protest on the footpath,” he said.

Parab then slammed the Opposition parties for failing to meet the protesting MLA at the site.

"Not even a single opposition MLA visited our MLA which goes to show that RGP is the only party which has the capacity to take the ruling BJP head on," Parab stated.

Parab also slammed those who were questioning the absence of RGP during the seven-month break.

"Where are these people now? Why didn't they show their solidarity to the RGP's protest?" Parab posed.

He then expressed gratitude to the revolutionaries who protested along with MLA Borkar due to which the victory could be achieved.

Party treasurer Ajay Kholkar said that they have successfully brought the TCP officials to the feet of MLA Borkar, the same MLA whom they denied entry to the Dy Town Planner's office.

Later, the RGP party members celebrated by garlanding MLA Borkar and party chief Parab.

A large number of RGP members from different parts of the State assembled to celebrate the moment.