Goa MLA Viresh Borkar Ends Hunger Strike Following Government Concessions on Land Conversions
In a significant development late Thursday night, St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar decided to call off his hunger strike after the Goa state government presented an official order from the town and country planning department. This order explicitly stated that all provisional and final land conversions under the controversial Section 39A of the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Act within the St Andre constituency were suspended with immediate effect.
Government Assurances and Legal Protections
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant provided crucial assurances to the protesting MLA, promising that the criminal cases filed against the demonstrators, particularly the women from Palem-Siridao, would be closed and not pursued further. "The chief minister assured me that the criminal cases filed against the protesters, particularly the women of Palem-Siridao, will be closed and not taken forward," Borkar confirmed, highlighting a major victory for the protest movement.
A Temporary Victory with Ongoing Battles Ahead
While celebrating this achievement, Borkar issued a cautious warning that the broader conflict remains unresolved. "The battle may have been won, but the war against Section 39A of the TCP Act is far from over," he declared. The MLA emphasized his readiness to resume the hunger strike if necessary after the assembly session, stating, "I am ending my hunger strike today, but if the need arises after the assembly session, I will not hesitate to restart my hunger strike."
Borkar called for unity among all MLAs, regardless of party affiliation, to work towards the complete scrapping of Section 39A. He outlined a strategic escalation plan: "And if 39A does not get scrapped through the state assembly, we will take the fight out of the assembly and have a bigger agitation."
Assembly Discussions and Political Consensus
Goa Assembly Speaker Ganesh Gaonkar has assured Borkar that the issue of rampant land conversion through Section 39A will be addressed in the assembly. "Our demand is that 39A should be scrapped, and I spoke to the chief minister and he said that while he cannot directly do that, he will allow a discussion on 39A," Borkar explained. The Speaker has committed to granting a special discussion on this section, which has faced criticism from both opposition and ruling benches alike.
Borkar noted the widespread recognition of the need to repeal this provision: "Everyone knows that this section has to be scrapped, and the chief minister assured me that an appropriate decision will be taken." However, he acknowledged that the final outcome depends on the government's majority position.
Criticism of Government Actions Against Protesters
The MLA strongly criticized the government for filing First Information Reports (FIRs) against tribal women and elderly women who participated in the protests. "It hurts that govt filed complaints against these poor women who supported us in this protest and who depend on daily wages," he expressed. Borkar highlighted the practical burdens these cases impose, forcing women to appear in court repeatedly and hire legal representation, which he described as "nothing but harassment."
Negotiation Process and Legal Consultation
Earlier on Thursday, North Goa Collector Ankit Yadav attempted to persuade Borkar to end his hunger strike by presenting a letter from Chief Town Planner Vertika Dagur. This letter indicated that all approvals for zone changes in Palem-Siridao were suspended. However, Borkar initially rejected this offer, demanding clearer government clarification on the suspension's implications. Yadav later returned to Azad Maidan with the same order on the TCP department's official letterhead, which ultimately satisfied the MLA's conditions.
During the standoff, Borkar sought legal counsel from Goa Foundation directors Norma and Claude Alvares. Norma Alvares commented on the significance of the government's actions: "The very suspension of the approvals is an acknowledgement that 39A is not correct." She emphasized the ongoing nature of the struggle, stating, "The fight will continue in the assembly, which is the correct place where the MLAs need to show how Goan they are."
Alvares further warned about the broader implications of Section 39A: "If 39A continues, it can destroy the whole of Goa. It is changing the face of Goa and making a mockery of the town planning Act." This statement underscores the high stakes involved in this legislative battle that has mobilized communities and politicians across party lines.
