VASCO: Slamming Aam Admi Party (AAP) leader Olencio Simoes for questioning her silence over the proposed hotel projects in Cortalim constituency, local MLA Alina Saldanha said that Simoes appears to be desperate to find fault with her, definitely, with the aim of tarnishing her image for political mileage.
“As far as the allegations against me with respect to the three hotels mentioned by Olencio, I want to clarify that just four days ago when ex-panch of Velsao Camilo D’Souza came to my office along with some villagers, he informed that the Velsao panchayat had passed the hotel project. Accordingly, we have written to GCZMA and WRD for site inspections which will happen sometime in the coming week,” Saldanha stated.
She questioned Simoes as to why he did not lead a morcha against the Velsao Panchayat headed by Sarpanch Henry D’Mello who passed the project, like he did in the case of Arossim hotel. “Is it a matter of selective outrage with hopes that it would clear his path to political victory? Olencio must know that people are smart and can think for themselves,” Saldanha claimed.
“As far as the Business Hotel by GTDC on their land at Kesarval is concerned, it is the decision of GTDC to construct on its own land and my intervention was not essential at any point of time nor has GTDC approached me on any ground. My only link is that I have placed the proposal for rejuvenation and beautification of Keserval spring with GTDC, which informed me that the scope of the tender floated, includes rejuvenation and beautification of Kesarval spring as per my request and that of Quelossim Panchayat,” Saldanha said.
“Once the project is conceptualized, there will be a presentation for which the MLA, the panchayat and the villagers will be invited. As per information received, the project will be under the control of the government. Till date, nobody has come to me with any objections to this project,” she said.
