Residents of Bhoma village have launched a sharp condemnation against their local MLA, Govind Gaude, alleging a significant and self-serving shift in his position regarding a contentious highway expansion project passing through their area. The villagers, who have been steadfast in their opposition to the road widening, claim the legislator has diluted his stance to gain political advantage in the approaching Zilla Parishad (ZP) elections.
Allegations of Political Opportunism
The core of the villagers' anger lies in the timing and nature of Gaude's changed stance. They assert that after three-and-a-half years of opposing the project, the MLA has now softened his position. According to the community, Gaude is justifying his new support by citing advice from a former sarpanch, who is currently his political opponent. The villagers interpret this as a calculated move to benefit his own candidates in the imminent ZP polls.
"He is being deliberately vague about his support for the project to help his candidates in the ZP polls," said Bhoma local Sanjay Naik, voicing the collective sentiment. Naik further accused Gaude of misleading the people by refraining from endorsing the community's primary demand for a bypass alternative and a halt to the widening of the existing road.
Lack of Clarity and Threat to Structures
Compounding the frustration is a persistent lack of official transparency. Despite the work order being awarded and ground-level work having commenced, the final alignment of the project has not been disclosed to the affected villagers. This secrecy has fueled fears and suspicions within the community.
"As we anticipated from the very beginning, it is impossible to expand this road without demolishing religious structures," Naik stated. He highlighted the imminent threat to a roadside shrine, which is sure to be lost to the project. The villagers gathered in Panaji on Monday to question why the government continues to keep them in the dark about the exact plans that will directly impact their lives and heritage.
Legal Battle and Firm Opposition
Undeterred by the start of construction, the people of Bhoma remain resolute in their resistance. They have made it clear that their opposition to the highway widening is unwavering. To formalize their fight, the community is pursuing legal avenues and has taken the matter to the courts, seeking an order to stall the project entirely. Their strategy combines public protest with judicial intervention, demonstrating a determined effort to protect their village from the proposed development.
The situation in Bhoma presents a classic conflict between infrastructure development and local community rights, now entangled with allegations of political maneuvering in the lead-up to crucial local elections.
