MAPUSA
Refusing to be drawn into the controversy over the legality of the Silly Souls café and bar, Calangute MLA, Michael Lobo said it was better to remain silent until the authorities come out with their reports in the entire matter.
“I don’t know who is running that restaurant. There is no clarity as yet. Complaint has been filed. The panchayat and TCP are yet to give their reports. We cannot speak before the report comes out. Or else we will get a legal notice,” Lobo said.
He said whoever speaks will have to be armed with all the facts and relevant documents.
“Many have been issued legal notices. Central Congress leaders have also got notices,” he said.
According to the Calangute MLA, the TCP and the panchayat have to carry out formal inspection and ascertain the facts but till then nobody should speak on it.
“The panchayat is not in place… After Aug 10 the newly elected panchayat body will do the inspection and come out with a report and ascertain whether they have the license or not. Even the TCP will give its report. Only then we can talk. I think till then we should hold on,” he said.
The Congress, at the centre and locally, which had initially taken the issue with a flourish has suddenly gone silent.
Apart from the Union Minister, Smriti Irani who addressed the media in Delhi and blamed the Congress leaders for tarnishing the name of her 18-year-old daughter, no other BJP leaders have said a word on the issue.
The local BJP leaders have remained tight-lipped on the entire controversy from day one.
