MARGAO
Health Minister Vishwajit Rane on Saturday publicly opposed the entry of Congress MLAs into the BJP party, saying these MLAs should be thrown out and not even be entertained.
This is perhaps for the first time that a Minister in the BJP-led government has publicly admitted that Congress MLAs are trying to join the ruling BJP.
While refusing to name the Congress MLAs planning to embrace the BJP, Rane told the media “everyone is aware who are planning to join the BJP. They are trying to gain entry from all sides. They should be thrown out and not even be entertained.”
Earlier in the day, addressing a programme organised by the party to mark the completion of eight years of Narendra Modi government, Rane said the Congress is no match for the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
He said the Congress is nowhere in the State with party MLAs willing to embrace the ruling BJP.
Addressing the party mahilas and workers in the presence of party leaders, MLA Ulhas Tuemkar, NRI Commissioner Narendra Sawaikar, former deputy Chief Minister Manohar Ajgaonkar, former MLAs Clafacio Dias and Damu Naik, besides others, Rane said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given relief to the people of the country on various fronts during the eight-year rule.
“We have been trying to follow the government’s scheme to the door steps of the people. Former Chief Minister late Manohar Parrikar had unveiled the scheme for the women. We have brought many other schemes to give relief to the women and other sections of society,” he added.
He underlined the role played by Prime Minister Modi in meeting the challenge posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. “India is the only country in the world which is providing free vaccination for its citizens. Our State receives the funds from the Centre to finance the social welfare schemes,” he said.
Saying the BJP is a party enjoying grassroot support, Rane said the party will not have any opposition from the Congress or other parties in the 2024 Lok Sabha election. “We have to rally behind the Prime Minister in 2024. He is the only leader who has a vision to take the country forward,” he said, adding that Modi is one Prime Minister who has accorded importance for both human and infrastructure development.
Funds only if audited balance sheets in place: Minister warns civic bodies
MARGAO: Urban Development Minister Vishwajit Rane has warned Municipal bodies in the State that would not receive funds under the 15th Finance Commission unless they have an audited balance sheet in place.
Saying he would hold meetings with the chairpersons, councillors and chief officers of the Municipal bodies in the State, Rane said the Urban Development Secretary has been told to hold meetings with the Municipal Chief Officers to guide them on the mandatory provision of audited balance sheets.
Saying that the audit of accounts will now be a condition precedent to receive funds under the 15th Finance Commission, Rane said, “Unless the civic bodies have the audited balance sheets, they will not receive the funds for development.”
Will protect Goa’s culture, heritage: Rane
PANAJI: TCP Minister Vishwajit Rane said the State government will continue to protect the culture and heritage of Goa, adding that no construction would be allowed within 100 metres of a recognised heritage structure.
“To maintain Goa’s heritage and culture, the government has taken decision that no construction will be allowed within 100 metres from an ASI-recognised heritage structure and the buffer zone will be 300 metres,” said Rane.
