the goan I network
MARGAO
Asserting that the BJP will not do justice for the Zilla Panchayats when the ruling dispensation is bracing up to fight the upcoming ZP polls on issues centering Pakistan and CAA, Goa Forward chief Vijai Sardesai on Thursday said the regional party has decided not to contest the ensuing polls but to support independent candidates to defeat the BJP.
During an interaction with the media after launching hot mixing works in Pajifond estimated around Rs 2 crore, Sardesai said there’s no point in contempt when the ruling BJP is treating the ZPs with contempt and neglect.
Moreover, he wondered whether any purpose will be served with the ruling BJP bracing to fight the upcoming polls on CAA and Pakistan when the ZPs are facing serious issues for want of devolution of powers to the district panchayat bodies.
Justifying his statement, the Fatorda MLA said that ZP chairperson Navnath Naik (a BJP leader) calling for a meeting of the District Planning Committee (DPC) at the fag end of the tenure is a clear indicator that BJP has no plan to arm the ZPs and DPC with powers and functions.
“Can you expect anything from this government for the Zilla Panchayats? The DPC headed by BJP functionary Navnath Naik did not even call for a meeting of the DPC for five years now. This only goes to show that BJP leaders and the government is treating the constitutional bodies with contempt,” Sardesai said.
Saying the Goa Forward party has decided to stay away from the ensuing ZP polls, Sardesai, however, said the party will extend support to individuals and independents to defeat the ruling BJP.
“We have finally decided not to contest the ZP polls as we are convinced that these grassroot self-government democratic institutions should not be politicized. Secondly, the government of the day is not interested in arming the ZPs with powers and functions as per the 73rd Constitutional Amendment,”he said.
