the goan I network
PANJIM
Rashtriya Swyamseva Sangh Goa Prant’s renegade leader Subhash Velingkar on Wednesday opposed the proposed centenary celebration of Vasco city and demanded that the port town be given another name.
He suggested that the name freedom fighter TB Cunha or the original Mormugao or any name related to Goan culture be given to the city instead of Vasco-da-Gama.
Velingkar who addressed a press conference in Panaji under the banner of a newly-formed forum ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jay’ threatened to strongly oppose any attempt to glorify Vasco-da-Gama.
He quoted news reports to say that on the instruction of BJP MLA Carlos Almeida, Mormugao Municipality chief officer Agnel Fernandes had held a meeting of concerned people to celebrate centenary of Vasco city. “100 years back this biggest city of Goa was named after a Portuguese pirate Vasco-da-Gama. We will not allow the glorification of Vasco-da-Gama,” he said.
He recalled that there were attempts to glorify Portuguese and Vasco-da-Gama previously which were opposed by a group of nationalist people including freedom fighters.
He also recalled that a private member’s resolution to rename Vasco city moved by then MGP MLA Shivdas Verenkar in the Goa Assembly in 1997 was supported by BJP MLAs Shripad Naik and Manohar Parrikar and hoped that the latter will consider renaming Vasco city.
He claimed the name ‘Vasco’ had no relevance since Vasco-da-Gama never came to Goa.
Politicians hit back at Velingkar’s threats over ‘Vasco’ name
VASCO: Political leaders in the port town have hit out at comments by Subhash Velingkar threatening to disrupt any programme to mark the centenary celebration of Vasco city.
Speaking to The Goan on Wednesday evening, Vasco MLA Carlos Almeida said Velingkar had been shown the door by political parties.
“The centenary celebration of the naming of the city will be held along with public participation,” insisted Almeida.
Earlier in the day, Subhash Velingkar-backed NGO ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ had earlier addressed a news conference in Panaji, threatening to disrupt any programme organised to commemorate the 100-year celebration of Vasco city.
Velingkar had claimed that in 1997, there had been an agitation demanding the Vasco city be renamed as Murgao, but a resolution to that effect was later defeated in the assembly.
Former Minister and State NCP President Jose Philip D’Souza questioned Velingkar’s agenda to demand a name change of the city and discuss about it over a press conference.
“No NGO can force its personal views on people while trying to resort to cheap politics and should not play with public sentiments.”
“The Goa government and police force is capable enough to tackle any plans by an NGO to disrupt any programme organised to commemorate the centenary celebration of the naming of the city. Goans are strong and wise enough to decide for themselves and what was best for them,” D’Souza added.
Meanwhile, Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) Chief Officer Agnelo Fernandes who is in Delhi informed The Goan over phone that the MMC was celebrating 100 years of formation of ‘Camara de Mormugao’, which was established in 1919.
