MAPUSA
Strongly backing local MLA and WRD Minister, Vinod Palyekar in his fight against drugs, GF Party, Siolim Block, President, Sagar Lingudkar appealed to the CM to take serious view on the threats issued to the MLA and provide him with adequate security.
"Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar is also the home minister of the State. Police come under him. It is the duty of the home minister to look after all such things... The chief minister should take very serious view on the threats issued to our MLA," Lingudkar said.
The Siolim Block, chief of Goa Forward along with some concerned citizens from Siolim was addressing a news conference at Mapusa on Thursday. Speaking further, Lingudkar said it was a matter of concern since Goa Forward Party was in coalition with the government and one of the ministers was getting threats.
"Finally, what can the MLA do? He is the WRD minister... If the home ministry is not functioning properly, what is the use... This is a sensitive issue. The chief minister should take serious view on this issue," he said.
He said Palyekar had taken strong stand against some very contentious issues, which has rankled some people and damaged their business prospects. "No MLA has taken such a tough stand against drugs and loud music in the State and he has done it at the risk of now getting threatening calls," Lingudkar said.
Calling the water resources minister as straightforward and hardworking, a resident of Siolim, Suraj Chodankar said people of entire Goa have begun to appreciate the decisions taken by Palyekar.
"Palyekar's sphere of influence has not remained confined only to Siolim but has spread to every nook and corner of Goa. People of Goa love him for his forthrightness and tough stand," Chodankar said. He said during election campaign Palyekar assured the electorate that he will take action against the drug menace and loud music along the coastal belt and he has remained faithful to his word.
"Our MLA has stopped late night parties for the sake of people of Siolim. He's truly working to protect Goem and Goemkarponn," he said and urged the government to take steps to provided adequate security to the WRD minister. Umakant Korgaonkar and Anil Kumar Nagvenkar also spoke on the occasion.
CM should give up home portfolio: Cong
PANAJI: Congress president Shantaram Naik demanded that CM Parrikar hand over the home dept to an independent minister while hinting at Parrikar's failure as the home minister to ensure the safety of his Cabinet Minister Vinoda Paliencar.
Speaking at Congress House, Naik stated, " Paliencar has expressed fear of threat to his life because of his stand on the illegal drug trade. If a minister's life can be in danger, what about the common people? I appeal to CM and present Home Minister to give up the portfolio who can independently concentrate on it." Congress also lashed out at the govt for its failure to regulate fuel prices. "Taxes, cess, VAT, excise process can be regulated by the govt to give relief to the people. The govt should sacrifice a little for the benefit of people," he said.
Meanwhile, Paliencar presently receives ministerial-level security cover round the clock. While there are armed guards stationed outside his residence, an armed PSO accompanies the minister for 24 hours a day.
