VASCO: Cansaulim villagers have condemned the General Manager of South Western Railway (SWR) for calling Cortalim MLA Alina Saldanha as a Portuguese during his recent annual visit to Vasco Railway Station.
Vasco MLA Carlos Almeida and Mormugao Municipal Councillors have also joined the Cansaulim villagers in condemning the railway official.
Addressing a press conference at Vasco municipal hall, the villagers, the councillors and the MLA strongly objected to behaviour of the railway manager and condemned him for calling Saldanha as a Portuguese.
They demanded the suspension of the general manager for his “rude behaviour” for calling Saldhana as a Portuguese.
Affirming that they are firm in opposing doubling of railway tracks, the villagers have asked Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant to take strict action against the General Manager of SWR for his “unacceptable behaviour.”
Cansaulim Sarpanch Marta Sadanha said that the behaviour and the manner in which the general manager of SWR spoke to Saldhana was unacceptable. “The remarks “Portuguese” made on our MLA by him suggests that he lacks the mannerism to interact with the people’s representative,” she said.
“The government should appoint well mannered person to work in Goa and not such people who will insult our representatives,” the sarpanch added.
MMC Chairperson Nandadeep Raut also expressed shock and annoyance over the remarks passed on MLA Saldanha and urged the chief minister to take strict action against the general manager of SWR.
Olencio Simoes of Goenchea Raponkarancho Ekvott also slammed General Manager of SWR for calling MLA Saldanha as a Portuguese. He urged the government not to tolerate such “unacceptable behavior” towards the elected representatives and immediately suspend the general manager of SWR.
He also reiterated that Cansaulim villagers would continue to oppose doubling of railway track passing through their village as it “will cause irreparable damage to their heritage houses.”
MLA Almeida said that it is said that MLA Saldanha was referred to as a Portuguese by General Manager of SWR.
He demanded that strict action against the General Manager of SWR.
