VASCO: The removal of the Environment and Forest portfolios from the hands of Cortalim MLA Alina Saldanha has come as a shock for the residents of Cortalim constituency, especially those who were supporters of late Matanhy Saldanha.
Alina has been receiving support from all sections of society and even her critics. The residents of Cortalim constituency have expressed disappointment with the government’s decision to take away her portfolios and demanded an explanation for the same. Some even claimed that this decision will affect the BJP in South Goa in the next Assembly elections.
“We don’t understand why Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar took the Forest and Environment portfolios from Alina. She was not only performing well, but was also carrying forward the legacy of late Matanhy Saldanha by saving the environment from land sharks. We are upset with the BJP and feel that the party has ditched us,” said Cansaulim local Anthony D’ Silva.
Another citizen Nicolau Fernandes stated, “Matanhy worked to get the BJP into power; his wife receiving such treatment by the BJP government is incorrect. The government should revoke its decision and leave the environment ministry with Alina to prove that the BJP still is trying to continue legacy of late Matanhy.”
One could easily hear people debating Alina’s demotion at all nooks and corners of Cortalim constituency on Monday. Her demotion is important for Cortalim constituency as almost all panchayats under it have strongly opposed the marina project at Sancoale. Alina had also stood against from her own government on the marina issue.
“We have seen her standing with the people on the marina issue and other environment-related issues. Now that her portfolios have been removed, there is fear that the ghost of the marina project will return. The decision to remove the environment portfolio is wrong,” said Raymond Vaz, Cortalim panch.
Herald tried to speak to more panchayat officials under Cortalim constituency, but they refused to comment.
