VASCO
Political rivalry in Vasco can go to unusual lengths and even end up in a WhatsApp challenge to clean up
Kharewado beach in Vasco on October 2.
In an unusual incident, a challenge to clean up Kharewado beach was taken up over a conversation in the Whatsapp group “Shepherds of Vasco”, which has MLA Carlos Almeida, former minister Jose Philip, Vasco Councillor Krishna Daji Salkar, MMC councillors and social activists and prominent citizens as members.
The group, which is active most of the times, has various discussions on social issues in Vasco and is probably one such group where Vasco MLA Carlos Almeida interacts with people over questions raised in the group, which has about 250 members who support various political parties.
The conversation started with activist Vikram Sarmalkar posting a video of a dirty Kharewado beach on the WhatsApp group.
Several activists then began commenting and arguing on how no one was interested in saving Kharewado beach.
At the time, social activist Parshuram Sonurlekar suggested that Kharewado beach be cleaned on October 2, which was immediately seconded by Vasco MLA Carlos Almeida.
Not to be left behind, NCP Vasco Youth President Pritam Naik pledged to arrive at the site with around 50
people, besides sponsoring 50 cases of mineral water if the cleanliness drive had to be a reality.
Responding to Naik’s challenge, several supporters of Almeida pledged to be on site with their leader for the cleanliness drive.
Vasco Councillor Krishna Daji Salkar, then pledged his presence along with supporters for the cleanliness drive, with one member Aquif Syed then suggesting that all play football on the beach after the cleanliness drive.
Supporters of AAP and Niz Goenkar party also joined the discussion and suggested that the cleanliness drive be followed with football game and a subsequent picnic with a member assuring biryani for around 100 people, with businessman, Jai Lakhani, assuring to chip with by donating gloves and bin bags for the drive.
Going by the messages and promises in the group, around 100 members are likely to be a part of the cleanliness drives with the presence of supporters and leaders of various political parties.
