PANJIM: Amidst controversy surrounding installation of statue of Father of Opinion Poll Dr Jack de Sequeira, the Opposition Goa Forward Party (GFP) smells it as a “bigger conspiracy” for “reverse merger” alleging efforts from those in the ruling to merge Maharashtra’s Dodamarg with Goa.
Addressing media persons on Friday, GFP President and former deputy chief minister Vijai Sardesai flashed documents to media establishing that Chief Minister Pramod Sawant owns 2,966 acres (1,18,64,000 sq mtrs) of property in Dodamarg, bought for Rs 38 lakh between 2012-17.
He also said that Shiv Sena Dodamarg leader Baburao Dhuri is on record telling the media that Dr Sawant, during his visit for campaigning for Maharashtra elections, purchased two properties, each of 17,800 sq mtrs and 3,200 sq mtrs, sale deeds of which were executed on October 24.
“Despite Margao Municipal Council passing a clear resolution, the Opposition councillors are objecting to the statue, which was supposed to come up at Fatorda. Neither Fatorda MLA nor councillors there has objection,” Sardesai said.
“This looks to be a bigger conspiracy for reverse merger. The opposition to Dr Jack de Sequeira statue has come at a time, when Dodamarg is demanding merger with Goa,” he commented.
Sardesai said that Chief Minister in his affidavit on assets between 2012-17 submitted to Goa Lokayukta has said that he owns land admeasuring 2,966 acres (1,18,64,000 sq mtrs) in Mauje Talekhol in Dodamarg bought for Rs 38 lakh. The property was purchased on July 19, 2016.
“If this is the case, then he would surely want to merge Goa with Dodamarg,” he commented adding that soon after the purchase of new properties, the demand for merger has come up.
