the goan I network
PANAJI
Velingkar, who is also a leading member of the Bharatiya Bhasha Suraksha Manch, which is spearheading the agitation to withdraw government grants to 132 English primary schools run by the Diocesan Society of Education, on Tuesday resigned from the chief minister’s 60th birthday celebration committee, which was const
ituted by the State Bharatiya Janata Party.
The resignation was submitted to the office of the Chief Minister. Parsekar birthday is on the July 4, but the public celebration will be held the following day.
Speaking to The Goan, Velingkar said, “The occasion of completing 60 years of life is a very sentimental moment for any person or his family. So when we thought about this occasion, I had given BJP the consent to include my name on the Chief Minister’s 60th Birthday Celebration Committee.”
He, however, mentioned that when he was visiting places across seven talukas in the State to plan for the second phase of BBSM agitation, he witnessed anger and unrest among the workers over the inclusion of his name in the committee.
“They have reposed faith in us. So respecting their emotions, I have resigned from the committee,” he said adding, “Even Parsekar did not take any cognizance of our Continued from P1
year-long agitation. So the people are feeling betrayed.”
BBSM had announced that in the second phase of agitation, they would hold demonstrations outside government and public functions.
When asked he would protest outside Parsekar’s birthday venue, he said, “The meeting of central committee of the BBSM will be held on June 30. Whatever decision is taken there, will be followed.”
Besides, Velingkar, names of other BBSM leaders Ratnakar Lele and Raju Sukerkar also feature in the committee.
Asked if they would resign from the committee, he said, “It is their personal decision.”
