Curchorem: Over 150 residents on Sunday staged a demonstration outside the residence of Sanguem MLA Subhash Phal Dessai following the issuance of a notification regarding political reservation for the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category, demanding answers and opposing the reservation of the Sanguem constituency.
Protesters said they had consistently supported the BJP and Phal Dessai while expressing concern that the reservation would affect the political representation of non-ST communities in the constituency.
“Sanguem voters have supported the BJP for years. The government should take the people of Sanguem into confidence before finalising any decision,” said deputy sarpanch of the Rivona, Suryakant Naik, questioning the options for citizens from other communities if Sanguem is designated as a reserved constituency.
Stating that a prolonged reservation status would severely impact the political future of non-ST residents, he said that if the state failed to address their concerns, they would pursue a legal battle.
“Non-ST communities will stand up for their rights just as ST groups advocate for theirs,” Naik said.
Local figure Bayo Bhandari criticised the BJP leadership for not “consulting” Phal Dessai and the electorate on critical local matters.
Bhandari questioned the stance of BJP state president Damodar Naik and said there is a lack of clarity on issues surrounding constituencies such as Taleigao, Sanvordem and Curchorem. He also raised concerns over political positions that he said restricted regional leaders from engaging with neighbouring areas such as Curchorem.
Former sarpanch Bharati Naik said non-ST voters in Sanguem had previously elected ST candidates on four occasions. She said reserving the entire constituency would affect the political participation of other communities.
“If the constituency gets reserved, Phal Dessai may have the option to contest from elsewhere, but what about the common citizens belonging to other communities in Sanguem?” she said.
Protesting citizens said that if the reservation decision was not rolled back or if the government failed to hold a dialogue with the local community, they would withhold their votes from the BJP in the upcoming elections.
The gathering at the MLA’s residence led to tension in the area for a brief period.
Meanwhile, a meeting was held at Gurukul Hall in Sanguem and was attended by Sanguem BJP mandal members in the presence of Phal Dessai. Late evening, the Minister’s karyakartas had a meeting at this residence to discuss the fallouts of the ST reservation, if it is implemented.
