PANAJI: South Goa Congress MP Captain Viriato Fernandes and Mormugao BJP MLA Sankalp Amonkar have locked horns over the Rose Circle ground development project at Sada, with both leaders hurling serious allegations at each other in a heated political face-off.
The controversy erupted after MLA Amonkar launched developmental works on the ground on Tuesday and took a swipe at Fernandes, who had earlier claimed to have obtained a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to execute the same project under MPLAD funds.
Accusing Fernandes of misleading the public, Amonkar alleged, “He displayed the NOC the same day I received the work order. If he was serious about developing the ground, why didn’t he act earlier? This is a fake publicity stunt meant to fool people.”
Amonkar also hit back at Fernandes’ earlier criticism over coal pollution in the port town, launching a scathing personal attack. “He sits in Delhi, having tea with coal handling company owners like Adani and Jindal and then talks about pollution here. I challenge him to deny this; we have proof. Let him come to the Damodar Temple and refute my claims,” Amonkar said.
Responding on Wednesday, MP Fernandes dismissed Amonkar’s remarks and questioned his political credibility. “Amonkar has no moral right to speak about me. He betrayed the people’s mandate by defecting to the BJP after winning on a Congress ticket, despite taking oaths in a temple, church, and dargah not to do so,” said Fernandes.
The MP further accused Amonkar of corruption and intimidation. “Let him answer who’s taking 15% commission from port-based firms. Several companies have exited Goa Port due to his pressure tactics. He should address these allegations instead of theatrics. I am ready to come to any temple, I am not the betrayer here,” Fernandes said.
