MARGAO: The recent comments of deputy Chief Minister Francis D’Souza on the anti-Raheja agitation have evoked strong reactions and condemnation from Carmona residents.
D’Souza, who is also the Town and Country Planning Minister, had summarily dismissed their agitation by asking them to approach the court. It is worth noting that he met the Carmona Villagers’ Social Welfare Forum (CVSWF) at the secretariat on November 27 to discuss the issue.
In a press statement issued recently, CVSWF pointed that D’Souza’s statements were contrary to his assurances during the meeting that action will be taken against Raheja. The forum, which has also been fighting against the Regional Plan 2021 (RP21) that shows a ten-metre road based on which permissions were granted to Rahejas, also condemned D’Souza’s statements that the RP required no major changes.
“CVSWF condemns Francis D’Souza’s statements as they are demeaning and not in the interest of our state and contrary to strong opposition raised by spirited citizens to the RP 2021,” said Socorro Miranda, forum president, adding, “The TCP minister has hurt the sentiments of the people by determining that no major changes are required in the RP. If there is no need to change the RP, then there is no need for him to be the TCP minister.”
CVSWF has said that D’Souza’s statements showed his ignorance of the gross regularities in the RP and questioned if he could justify the flaws that they will be pointing out in the plan.
“He has done grave injustice to his post by not being sincere and diligent with his duties. In fact, his act of urging the aggrieved persons to move the court against Raheja is nothing but passing the buck,” said Miranda, claiming that it was a strategy of the Dy CM to demoralise the citizens.
“The Dy CM has a pathetic attitude towards dealing with illegalities which come under his jurisdiction. He had given a press statement extending his support to the illegal houses in Aquem-Baixo even after the TCP had rejected the permissions/technical clearance to the structures,” added Miranda.
