It’s typical of Pernem.
From the time Pernem constituency has been reserved forSchedule Caste, the candidates representing the constituency have been“outsiders”.
Former MLA, Manohar Azgaonakar who was elected from theconstituency for previous three terms is a resident from Margao, while presentMLA, Rajendra Arlekar who was elected on BJP ticket is from Vasco.
For the last several years Pernem has seen no developmentwhatsoever. Major part of the constituency suffers from irregular water supply,electricity problems, and bad roads.
The current MLA and speaker of the assembly, RajendraArlekar, naturally derides the past and promises a better present. “Theconstituency was always neglected by the former government and also by its MLA.They only made assurances. No one actually bothers about the people and theirdemands,” said Arlekar.
But he adds a touch of pragmatism as he remarks “I have tobe on alert to complete all promises made.”
Irregular water supply and electricity, bad condition ofroads, congested bus stand, the bad condition of the town market are some ofthe major issues which has been pending for long. The constituency also lacks asports complex.
On the controversial Mopa International Airport, RajendraArlekar said: “Files are being moved in order to give compensation to localswhose land has been acquired for the airport”.
“Various projects are in the pipeline. It will take at leastsix months for plans to fructify and for people to see a change. All promisesmade will be fulfilled,” Arlekar added.
The Goan will wait and see.
