‘Leaders must behave responsibly’
Panaji: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Monday took exception to the protest morcha by Opposition MLAs and other demonstrators at the residence of Town and Country Planning Minister Vishwajit Rane, calling it inappropriate. However, he refrained from commenting on their demand to scrap the controversial Section 39A of the Town and Country Planning Act.
Speaking to mediapersons at his official residence in Altinho late in the evening, Sawant said the police had shown restraint despite the protestors marching towards Rane’s residence in Dona Paula.
“I appeal to the protestors, Leader of the Opposition Yuri Alemao, and other MLAs not to take the law into their own hands. The police have exercised patience so far, but they will be compelled to act to ensure the safety of the minister and his family,” he said.
Sawant accused the agitators of failing to maintain decorum, describing the march to a minister’s residence as irresponsible behaviour by the Opposition leader.
“They should raise the issue through the proper forums available to them. As far as Section 39A is concerned, the matter is before the court, and they can pursue it there or in other appropriate forums,” he added.
When asked about the alleged manhandling of St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar, the Chief Minister claimed that the legislator was not cooperating with the police and had himself asked to be lifted from the town and country planning office.
“If they have grievances, they should protest at the Azad Maidan. Marching to a minister’s residence is unacceptable,” he said.
The Chief Minister warned that the leaders of the agitation would be held responsible if any untoward incident occurred.
“I am ready to discuss the matter with Viresh Borkar. They should conduct their agitation in a democratic manner. The government has no objection if they continue their protest at the Azad Maidan,” Sawant said.
