The locals demanded that the market be constructed on the ground already acquired for the same.
The protests are the result of a political rivalry between Velim MLA Benjamin Silva and former Velim MLA Felipe Neri Rodrigues. During Rodrigues’ tenure, the ground was acquired for the construction of a panchayat ghar-cum-market complex. When Silva became the MLA, the panchayat decided to construct a panchayat ghar-cum-sports complex. Even as the Goa State Urban Development Corporation (GSIDC) issued a tender for the same, the panchayat reverted to its old decision of a ghar-cum-market.
Newly-elected sarpanch Santos Rebello supported the protestors’ demand and stressed that he wanted the market complex to be constructed on the land that was originally acquired for the same. He demanded that the panchayat withdraw any application regarding the land near the football ground. This was with reference to Silva’s statement that the PWD and WRD would hand over land near the ground for the market complex.
It is to be noted that, since there were differences in opinion among panch members, the government had put a hold on the public utility project until the panchayat finally decided what it wanted to do with the acquired land.
Rebello added that the panchayat would ultimately have to go with the people’s demands and that the issue would feature prominently in the upcoming gram sabha. He said he would also submit the protestors’ memorandum to the government
