MARGAO: Congress leader Girish Chodankar while lashing out at the “arrogant behaviour” of Town and Country Planning Minister Vijai Sardesai urged him to at least listen to the people who have a grievance instead of trying to “bully them”.
Briefing media persons, Girish accused Vijai of trying to intimidate and bully the youth from Borda who were objecting to the proposed building on the cricket ground they have been using for years in the multipurpose complex.
“Vijai is the elected MLA and should at least listen to what the people have to say instead of trying to bulldoze his way through,” he said adding that being elected as an MLA does not make the area his fiefdom.
He said many people including himself used the playground at the multipurpose complex where talented cricketers began their training and asserted that Vijai should take all stakeholders into confidence. “We are not objecting to his plans, all that we are asking is listen to the people and take them into confidence,” he said.
Cricket coach Showmit Angle, who was also present at the press briefing, said that they were surprised to hear about the government plans to construct a building on the existing cricket ground where many people have been groomed in cricket.
He said that they had consulted an architect who had said that the new buildings could be constructed without disturbing the existing grounds and said that Vijai should at least listen to their proposals. “We are not opposed to the development of the football ground but one sport should not be killed to promote another,” he said while disclosing that the existing football ground is going to be upgraded with astro turf and stands.
“Just as the Fatorda ground cannot be used by common people because of the astro turf the multipurpose ground will also be locked in future,” warned Sidhanath Buyao pointing out that while children learn cycling there grown up learn to drive vehicles on the multipurpose ground at present.
Accusing Vijai of being arrogant, he warned that the same arrogance would lead to his downfall in the near future as agitated youngsters will not support him at the next elections.
