MARGAO: The public meeting featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Fatorda witnessed a large number of attendees forced to endure the afternoon event without food or drink, due to shortages at the venue. Simultaneously, commuters faced considerable hardships as road diversions led to widespread confusion and traffic congestion.
According to reliable sources, although three food pandals were set up to cater to the attendees who had arrived several hours before the event started, the provision fell short, leaving many hungry people struggling to access food – especially since all the shops, food carts and eateries in the area were asked to shut shop for the PM’s visit. The attendees, having been informed of the availability of lunch via personalised text messages from Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, had been expecting a lavish spread of Goan dishes including chicken xacuti and prawn curry. The intervention of top BJP officials later rectified the situation, but disappointment was palpable among several party workers.
Additionally, despite traffic plans issued by the authorities, commuters traveling from Margao to Panjim encountered chaos at Old Market Circle and behind the South Goa Collectorate complex. Peter Fernandes, a resident of Colva, expressed frustration, highlighting the lack of prior awareness regarding traffic diversions.
“Sudden announcements regarding traffic diversions have led to confusion among the public, which could have been easily avoided,” Fernandes stated, reflecting the sentiments of many affected commuters. Authorities, however, claimed that the event transpired smoothly, contrasting with the challenges faced by attendees and commuters alike.
