The squabbles of the politicians of Calangute constituency have mired the development of Calangute village in controversy. Since his victory in the constituency in 2012, BJP MLA Michael Lobo has been feuding with Calangute panch Joseph Sequeira over a variety of subjects. While Lobo and Sequeira fight it out, sometimes acrimoniously on the streets of Calangute, and vow to take on each other in the 2017 election, former MLA Agnelo Fernandes eyes a return to the Assembly.
TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: Except for the increase in the width of some roads, Goa’s pride, Calangute, has seen no other development. The roads themselves are in bad shape and those along the main market square can do with at least a coat of tar that will hide the cracks and potholes.
If Calangute cries for attention, then it is because of the sharp differences among the politicians of the constituency that have hit newspaper headlines even as development of the village has hit rock bottom.
Intrigue is not new to Calangute politics. Home to some landed gentry, the village has a semi-urban outlook and its beaches and fields have attracted not just the tourists looking for a relaxing holiday but those who desire a second home, leading to the rise of concrete blocks in this once green and beautiful village.
The current tension began after the 2012 Assembly polls. Before the elections, longtime Calangute panch Joseph Sequeira and ZP member Michael Lobo got together to dethrone Congress MLA Agnelo Fernandes. Sources say the deal between Lobo and Sequeira was that after the elections the former would be free to undertake development outside Calangute village, but all the development within the jurisdiction of Calangute panchayat would be undertaken by Sequeira.
For a while after the elections the relationship prospered, with Sequeira acknowledged as the senior partner. Not for long. Lobo as MLA decided to stamp his mark and began development work in the village. Never the most patient of men – he has been accused of arrogance – Sequeira reacted instantly, leading to numerous clashes between the two as both fought to hold their dominance over the village and take credit for the development works. This led to even regular maintenance, like tarring of roads, literally coming to a standstill. Only major projects sanctioned and executed by a centralized agency like the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) were allowed.
In the tense atmosphere, businessmen were left wondering who to support. Sources say it’s like Mumbai in the 1990s where if you were seen with one gang, you would be knocked off by the other. Here you can expect to be ignored by the other.
Analysts say this sparring won’t end for Lobo. As MLA he will have to step into Candolim and there he will have to confront Fernandes. Sources say that though there is not much development he can take credit for in the village, politically Lobo has started making moves, trying to make inroads into the panchayat – a longtime bastion of the former MLA.
The beachside constituency then appears to be in for some interesting times.
The skirmishes
OCT 23, 2013: Michael Lobo and Joseph Sequeira spar in the open at Calangute market over the construction of bus bays in Calangute market.
NOV 28, 2013: Lobo and Sequeira engage in a verbal clash over the demolition of a barricade for a religious structure at Umtta Vaddo, Calangute.
DEC 6, 2013: Heated argument between Lobo and Sequeira over the erection of an entrance gate to the Baga Comunidade pay parking site.
DEC 12, 2013: Lobo and Sequeira differ on Pay Parking contractor at Comunidade pay parking site.
DEC 31, 2013: Lobo in heated exchange of words at Calangute market over removal of flower pots and other material by Calangute Panchayat Demolition Squad.
JAN 9, 2014: Lobo inaugurates road works at Tivai Vaddo, but Calangute Panchayat stops the work.
JAN 20, 2014: Lobo and Sequeira differ on nightlife timings in Calangute.
FEB 10, 2014: Both differ on removal of garbage at Calangute Association grounds.
JUNE 14, 2014: Controversy over waterlogged road at Khobra Vaddo, Calangute between lobo and Sequeira and they spar in the open.
OCT 10, 2014: Lobo and Sequeira spar over underground cable digging work at Gaura Vaddo, Calangute.
