SATURDAY, MAY 04, 2024
Team Herald
MARGAO: Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao criticised the denial of permissions to hold meetings at Lohia Maidan, stating that it reflects the BJP’s failure in development. “BJP’s idea of development is like a short circuit. The denial of permission for election meetings at the historic venue is an attack on democracy,” said Alemao, calling for voters to “remove the fuse of BJP” in the upcoming elections.
The Margao Municipal Council (MMC) denied citizen’s collective Goa Bachao Abhiyan permission to organise a public meeting on April 25 at Lohia Maidan, Margao. The reason cited by MMC’s Chief Officer was that the civic body needs to undertake urgent civil and electrical maintenance work.
Goa Bachao Abhiyan (GBA) had called on all those who love Goa to lend solidarity to their agitation to oppose the amendments to the Town and Country Planning Act, 17(2) and 39(A).
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Alemao highlighted the discrepancy between the significant amount spent on the renovation of Lohia Maidan and the lack of tangible improvements. “There was a door made exactly at the centre of the stage which was later closed after citizens raised objections. The so-called green room has become a garbage room. The size of the stage is now reduced, making it inconvenient to hold meetings,” he alleged. Alemao accused the government of neglecting places of historic importance, including Lohia Maidan, and failing to recognise their significance officially. Despite raising these issues in the Assembly and sending letters to CM Pramod Sawant, Alemao claimed that the government is avoiding addressing these concerns, revealing the true face of the BJP.
He demanded accountability for the alleged short circuit in the newly renovated project and called for transparency regarding the use of the funds allocated for the renovation. “The government must provide an explanation to the people of Margao, if the crores of rupees spent on this project has gone down the drain,” he said.
