Oppn leaders slam inclusion of Canacona in Kushavati district

CANACONA/MARGAO

Resentment is brewing over the inclusion of Canacona taluka in Kushavati District with opposition parties threatening an agitation to oppose Canacona taluka’s inclusion in the new district.

In fact, plans are afoot to convene a meeting of representatives of all political parties, the Municipality and panchayats, besides citizens, to chalk out the future course of action.

Goa Forward Party General Secretary Prashant Naik questioned the urgency to form a third district without consulting people or considering views of elected representatives in the taluka.

“The demand for a third district was from late Ravi Naik with Ponda as a headquarters, but this government has done something altogether different. The GFP and the people of Canacona strongly condemn this government’s declaration and we will oppose tooth and nail. We will launch an agitation against inclusion of Canacona in the third district,” said Prashant Naik.

GFP Environment Cell Chairman Vikas Bhagat questioned the need for a third district in Goa, considering the State’s limited geographical size and population.

“The State government simply cannot take such important decisions unilaterally and impose them without understanding the ground realities, administrative implications and public sentiment,” said Vikas Bhagat.

“Sports Minister and Canacona MLA Ramesh Tawadkar much clarify his stand publicly and explain to the people of Canacona his position in the matter.”

According to Congress leader Janardhan Bhandari, the government had first considered the name of third district as ‘Chandrapur’ and then changed it to ‘Atal’, before finally naming it ‘Kushavati’.

“If you want to form a new district, do it with proper planning. Did the State government consult the people or even public representatives in this matter,” asked Bhandari.

“Don’t include Canacona in the third district, leave us with South Goa district. We don’t have any objection to a third district, but don’t include (Canacona) and burden us.”

A number of activists have questioned the benefits to Canaconkars by including Canacona taluka in the third district.

“While we welcome the third district to be called ‘Kushavati district’, BJP State General Secretary Sarvanand Bhagat should list out the actual benefits to Canaconkars in this new district. Will it not be an additional burden to residents of Canacona,” asked social activist Samrat Bhagat.

CMC councillor Shubham Komarpant went a step ahead and demanded the formation of 4th district for Canacona taluka to enable better administrative and infrastructure facilities in the State’s southernmost taluka.

“Going by the advantages listed out by BJP State General Secretary Sarvanand Bhagat, who is resident of Canacona, on the declaration of the new Kushavati district, we demand Canacona to be declared as the fourth district with all administrative infrastructure,” said Komarpant.

“Our taluka will develop and prosper much faster and all district advantages will be at our doorstep. Moreover, it will be difficult for residents of Canacona to travel to Quepem, which will be the headquarters of Kushavati District.”