EC playing into BJP hands: Agnelo
TEAM HERALD
CALANGUTE: The Flying Squad attached to Election Commission in the State reportedly questioned Candolim Sarpanch Sandra Fialho regarding a proposed site inspection, under the pretext of violation of election code of conduct.
Criticizing the decision, former Calangute MLA Agnelo Fernandes has termed the Election Commission of Goa as “biased and playing into the hands of BJP”, while Sub-Divisional Magistrate and Deputy Collector Mapusa Sabaji Shetye has stated that the village sarpanch has every right to carry out site inspections, which are routine office duties.
Speaking to Herald, Candolim Sarpanch Fialho said members of the Flying Squad looking after Candolim stated that no site inspections, etc, can be carried out during the election code of conduct.
“The Flying Squad officials along with police also stated that the complainant has claimed that the Candolim sarpanch is harassing him by carrying out site inspection without giving a fixed time schedule and violating the code of conduct,” said the sarpanch.
“We only give a date mentioning certain period of time, as the schedule changes every now and then and it was nothing new or harassment to the complainant,” said Fialho.
“The Flying Squad team came to my residence and questioned me over the issue and noted my statement while giving me a copy of it and also the complainant’s copy. I was taken aback as being new to the post I did not know what was the factual position but accepted the decision of the Flying Squad,” she informed.
“Candolim Panchayat had only issued notice for site inspection to the complainant following complaints of CRZ violations at Candolim,” said Fialho.
Former MLA Fernandes alleged that the Election Commission officials were functioning in a biased manner and following the dictates of the ruling BJP party.
“We will be writing to the Chief Election Commissioner of India citing gross violations by Election Commission officials favouring the BJP,” he said.
“The sarpanch cannot be stopped from discharging his/her normal duties otherwise there will be large scale violations under guise of election code of conduct throughout the State. The State government is shielding the party workers and helping them carry out illegal constructions in the CRZ or low-lying fields. The Candolim sarpanch was also threatened by the Flying Squad officials,” said Fernandes.
Fialho however, clarified that the Flying Squad officials did not misbehave with her.
Meanwhile, a complaint was filed with the EC against Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar alleging that he was using official machinery to canvass for the BJP ahead of the elections.
The complainant alleged that the Chief Minister was using his official bungalow as well as his office staff for the BJP elections.
