Addressing media persons in his office at Calangute, Lobo said: “Former Calangute MLA Agnelo Fernandes said that I have inaugurated the dance bars, but let me make it clear that they were not inaugurated by me. Fernandes speaks in frustration using the Congress office in Panjim, as he fears losing his stronghold in Calangute.”
“Fernandes should be aware that it was I who tipped the Crime Branch through former chief minister Manohar Parrikar over the illegalities in the commercial premises at Gaura Vaddo, Calangute. The Crime Branch subsequently raided the premises and the commercial establishment has been shut down since then. I had always opposed its opening and had in fact warned the local body not to give permission for the same,” said Lobo.
“I am not the authority to issue licenses, but it is done by the respective panchayats. The local body should have refrained from giving permissions since it was well aware of the dubious business activities of the owners. Besides, the ‘Save Calangute’ organization came forward to curb the illegalities in the coastal village of Calangute and there was no selfish interest as claimed by Fernandes,” added Lobo.
“Fernandes should not indulge in petty politics over the issues that have been haunting the society for several years. I urge Fernandes and other leaders of Calangute to leave aside petty politics and join hands with the people’s movement to cleanse the ills in the society. Elections are far away and can be fought separately for the people to decide and choose their representative,” he said.
When asked about disciplinary action from the party, Lobo said: “I have been elected by the people of Calangute and fighting for justice is not something against the party or BJP. I am fighting the administration which has been found wanting on issues concerning the people of Calangute and Goa at large. I will always stand by my people of Calangute and Goa and fight for the issues haunting the society and I see no wrong in it.”
It may be recalled that Fernandes had claimed that Lobo went on a hunger strike while he himself had inaugurated the dance bars in Calangute.
