Goa Minister Issues Stark Warning to Protesters Over Land Conversion Dispute
In a dramatic escalation of tensions, Goa's Town and Country Planning (TCP) Minister Vishwajit Rane issued a defiant statement on Saturday, threatening to bring 45,000 supporters from Sattari to Panaji to counter ongoing protests by villagers. The confrontation centers on Section 39A of the Town and Country Planning Act and land conversion approvals for nine contentious projects.
Minister's Defiant Stand at Sattari Gathering
Addressing a public gathering in Sattari with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant present, Minister Rane made his position unequivocally clear. "I want to assure the chief minister that if needed, I can bring my 45,000 people from Sattari to Panaji. There is no need to backtrack on development that benefits the people," Rane declared emphatically.
The minister directly accused residents of Palem-Siridao of employing blackmail tactics by holding government officers to ransom. He firmly refused to revoke the controversial land conversion approvals, stating protesters could "sleep there day and night" without forcing the department to capitulate.
Government's Unyielding Position on Development Projects
Rane outlined the government's official stance, emphasizing that all issues must be presented through proper channels. "All issues need to be put forth in an appropriate manner. Government officers cannot be held ransom. We go as per guidelines, and we can discuss these guidelines, and the assembly is the right forum," the TCP minister asserted.
Speaking after laying the foundation stone for a new bridge at Sanvordem in Sattari, Rane criticized what he called pressure tactics, urging MLA Viresh Borkar and others to set a proper example. "People cannot come on the streets and make laws," he stated bluntly, reinforcing the government's commitment to maintaining decorum in official offices.
Broader Implications and Minister's Comments on Governance
The minister addressed broader governance concerns, stating that "whether it is the TCP office or any other department, government at the highest level took a decision that decorum has to be maintained in government offices." He emphasized proper procedures for obtaining information through Legislative Assembly Questions (LAQs) rather than confrontational approaches.
When questioned about an incident involving MLA Viresh Borkar being reportedly dragged from the TCP office, Rane claimed ignorance but promised investigation. "I heard that something happened in the TCP department office. Viresh Borkar is my colleague, and I will find out what happened with him in the incident," he stated.
Economic Considerations and Development Philosophy
Rane drew parallels to other contentious issues, noting that "even though there are public sentiments against casinos today, Panaji will become deserted if they are removed." This comment highlighted the government's balancing act between public sentiment and economic considerations.
The minister concluded with advice for protesters, suggesting that "if a charter of demands is presented to the chief minister, solutions should be proposed along with it," emphasizing constructive dialogue over confrontation in addressing development concerns.
