MARGAO: Urban Development Minister Francis D’Souza virtually came to the rescue of a beleaguered Margao Municipal Chairperson Gonzaco Rebello over the demolition of his illegal structure.
In a development that has raised many an eyebrow, the Urban Development minister stayed the demolition of the illegal structure occupied by the municipal chairperson at Mungul. In fact, the minister stayed the operation of the demolition order passed by MMC Chief Officer Naveen S L by an ex-parte order dated April 2. D’Souza has now fixed hearing of the revision petition in his chamber on April 28.
D’Souza stayed the demolition order after Gonzaco filed a revision petition before him praying amongst others thing, a stay on the demolition order pending hearing and disposal of his petition.
In his petition, Gonzaco said that the complainant Savio Dias had been his political opponent, having unsuccessfully contested the municipal election against him in the past.
He further contended that the structure in question had been existing at least since the last 40-50 years and belonged to his father, but is now in his possession.
The stay granted by the Urban Development Minister comes in the wake of a request made by the Margao Municipality to the district authorities seeking police protection to carrying out the demolition.
The Urban Development Minister’s order has not been taken kindly by the complainant Savio Dais and members of the civil society. Dias said the local activists will chalk out the future course of action, even as former MMC vice chairperson Ethel Lobo said it is indeed sad that an order issued by a Chief Officer after an inquiry and hearing has been stayed by the minister for Urban Development.
“I feel that the stay order is an attempt by the BJP to salvage some pride and that the issue does not become an embarrassment to the party as the Chairperson was supported by the BJP party. Instead of a stay order, the Urban Development Minister should have sanctioned some funds for Margao development”, Savio said, adding that the step appears a determined move to delay the disqualification of Gonzaco.
