QUEPEM: Verbal clashes erupted between supporters of Quepem MLA Alton D’Costa and former Deputy Chief Minister Babu Kavlekar in the presence of Sports Minister Govind Gaude at Borimol sports complex, here.
The rival political groups’ supporters had earlier clashed at Betul too.
The trouble broke out when Sports Minister Govind Gaude had gone to inspect the complex. As he was discussing the details with the officials suddenly discussion flared up as rival supporters started claiming credit for the developmental works.
D’Costa’s supporters said that Kavlekar was MLA for the last 20 years but could not undertake developmental works and now that the people have elected D’Costa, which would be prudent enough for the former MLA to stay away and stop interfering.
This annoyed former Quepem councillor Dayesh Naik, who said that many works were tendered during the tenure of Kavlekar, for which D’Costa was now taking credit for all these works. He was countered by former councillor Teresa Travasso, who said that Kavlekar was no more MLA and so we should allow the new legislator to take charge and work for the welfare of the people.
Pacifying the rival factions, Gaude told them that he has come here to listen to their grievances and find solutions. “There is no need for arguments and create differences. I will definitely do what is needed to improve the sports complex,” he said.
The Minister then advised both, D’Costa and Kavlekar to stop arguing over the issue as it would send a wrong message to the people. He told them not to indulge in blame games or discuss past history and that he will find a solution to the issue within next two months.
The Minister promised a special gymnasium and a badminton court in the multipurpose hall and added that the non-functioning fans and the tiles of the swimming pool would be replaced. Also the work of laying synthetic track will be completed by December 15 this year.
The locals requested the Minister to throw open the sports complex for children and not to use it for political purposes.
