SANKHALI: Disappointment writ large on the faces of WRD Minister Subhash Shirodkar and Bicholim MLA Chandrakant Shetye, who were left disappointed, as the third Janata Darbar evoked a lukewarm response at Sankhali on Monday with government officers outnumbering the public.

The darbar witnessed the presence of most government officers as only 30-35 members of public come with their grievances.

Shirodkar said that every government department should prepare its report card and take measures to try to find and resolve the problems concerning the people. He said that the elected representatives and government officials should coordinate with the people and solve their issues.

Seeing the poor response, a citizen said, “It looks like either the people have been able to get their grievances redressed or they could be no proper awareness of the Janata Darbar.”

Many sarpanchas and panchayat members from the Bicholim taluka too did not turn up for the event.

Shirodkar said that Janata Darbar will accelerate the development of the villages and towns. He remarked that the Janata Darbar initiative will be a futile exercise if grievances of the people are not solved. Mayem MLA Premendra Shet was also present.

However, at Vasco, where Power Minister Sudin Dhavalikar attended the Janata Darbar, the number of citizens and officials in attendance was equal.

Dhavalikar slammed Tamil Nadu Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin for his remarks on Sanatan Dharma without adequate knowledge.

He said that Stalin had no idea and knowledge of Sanatan Dharma or Hindu religion and its culture. There are many such people who are not aware of their own identity but want to comment on Sanatan Dharma and Hindutva. He demanded that Stalin withdraw his statements failing which people will give him a fitting reply.

Dhavalikar said that the State is producing 43 mega watts power through solar energy, which will be enhanced upto 150 mega watts by 2030.