Ex-Calangute sarpanch, MLA engaged in war of words

Ex-Calangute sarpanch, MLA engaged in war of words
HERALD CORRESPONDENT
CALANGUTE, SEPT 16
In yet another verbal duel between arch rivals, former Calangute sarpanch Joseph Sequeira has accused Calangute MLA Agnelo Fernandes of blocking various development projects in Calangute.
However, Fernandes has refuted the allegations and denied interfering in the development of Calangute village.
“Our project files for the market complex, garbage plant and bus stand have been held up for administrative approval for over three years now at the behest of Calangute MLA Agnelo Fernandes. His only intention is to stop development through the Calangute Panchayat,” complained Sequeira.
Sequeira further claimed that it is their desire to make Calangute a model village with modern bus stand and market complexes, but alleged the Calangute MLA does not allow them to go ahead with such developments.
Incidentally, Sequeira has also accused the Calangute MLA of unplanned development in Calangute through the PWD and other departments.
“We have been told that the Calangute MLA has undertaken drainage work along the Calangute-Baga road through the PWD, further narrowing the narrow road to Baga causing hindrance to motorists and pedestrians,” Sequeira said.
“The situation could be worse once the tourism season gets underway. The 3-mtr road has been narrowed down to 2.5 mtrs, causing inconvenience to the general public and motorists,” stated Sequeira.
“If the development was in the interest of Calangute villagers, the MLA would have taken us into confidence,” said Sequeira.
When contacted, Calangute MLA Agnelo Fernandes said the drainage was constructed to take care of the water-logging along the road leading to Baga and it was a necessity.
“At present, pedestrians and motorists may find it difficult to negotiate the road, but once the drainage is completed, they will not be inconvenienced,” assured Fernandes.
Responding to Sequeira’s allegation regarding the delay in administrative approval for the projects of Calangute Panchayat, Fernandes said he had never interfered in the development of Calangute village nor was any file pending at his behest.
“I am ever willing to be of help in getting administrative approval if such request comes from the present Calangute sarpanch or through his representative,” said Fernandes.
“By the way, who is Joseph Sequeira to speak and decide for the Calangute Panchayat? Is he the sarpanch,” asked Fernandes.
Sequeira however disagreed and said: “I am a ruling member of the Calangute Panchayat and former sarpanch of the village. I have every right to question the unplanned development in Calangute,” he said.