MARGAO: Goans for Goa (GFG) lauded the efforts of Carmona residents to “protect their village from the clutches of the builder lobby” and condemned the panchayat for hastily deciding to grant a construction licence for the Raheja project before the matter could be discussed at the gram sabha. It also alleged that the panchayat had been compromised by the Rahejas.
“GFG reiterates that this malaise has recently spread to all other panchayats; elected members are working against the people’s interest, and are only working to satisfy the builder lobby. This should be nipped in the bud, and the Rahejas should be a lesson for all,” said Kennedy Afonso, GFG president.
He continued, “If the panchayat had any respect for itself and the people it represents, it would have waited until the gram sabha – where they would clearly understand the pulse of the people – and then taken a decision. By taking a hasty decision, they betrayed the trust that the people placed in them. The panchayat members should tender an apology or submit their resignation at the next gram sabha.”
He added, “The excuse given by the panchayat that TCP has already granted licences does not hold water. The villagers have the right to determine what is good and bad for their village. GFG extends full support to the people of Carmona, who are currently fighting to stop the Raheja project and other illegalities in their village.”
