PANJIM, JAN 19
Former chief minister Dr Wilfred de Souza today said that he might step down as a deputy chairman of State Planning Board as a mark of protest of deteriorating law and order situation.
“I may resign as a deputy chairperson…I am fed up…,” he said addressing a press conference today evening.
Dr D’Souza, former Nationalist Congress Party Goa chief, also demanded that Digambar Kamat-led government should be changed with another better performing government.
“It’s now in the hands of public to decide on which new government they want. There can be elections,” he said.
Dr de Souza criticised the State Government for not taking any firm action against Police Sub Inspector Sunil Gudlar, who was referring to ‘bribe’ as ‘Mahatma Gandhi’ during a sting operation conducted on him.
“No action has been taken against him although he is shown selling drugs and calling bribe with the name Mahatma Gandhi,” he alleged.
Gudlar was shown on the spy-cam calling Mahatma Gandhi’s name while asking for a bribe.
“On January 30, all the State leaders will lay wreath on the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi to pay him homage but they don’t have courage to act against the officer who insults the Father of Nation,” de Souza said.
He said that whatever happening in Goa right from police selling drugs to custodial deaths, everything is shameful.
“Goa Government has no control on whatever is happening in the State. It is shameful that police themselves are involved in the drug nexus. The increasing number of robberies in the temples is yet another example of bad governance,” he said.
The former NCP chief has also criticised government for failing to have public participation while deciding on Regional Plan 2021.
De Souza said that before finalising the plan, it is necessary that project is referred to the village panchayats. “Chief Minister says there is no provision under law but let me remind him that late Rajiv Gandhi had enacted 73rd amendment giving powers to the people to decide on their issues,” he added.
