Curchorem: Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) president Amit Patkar alleged that the Goa government has compelled Goans to come out on the streets by bringing “unwanted projects” for its own financial benefit.
He made the allegation while addressing a mashal rally organised by villagers of Mirabag and surrounding areas against the proposed bandhara project coming up at Mirabag.
The rally commenced near the Purushmharu Temple at Xirfod, Curchorem, on Sunday evening.
Patkar said the government was insensitive to local villagers whose houses would be submerged during the rains if the bandhara is constructed.
He said temples and properties that provide livelihood would also be destroyed.
He alleged that the proposed Rs 450-crore bandhara project was “nothing but a big scam to earn huge commissions”.
“The government, which calls itself a protector of Hindu dharma, destroyed the Khapreshwar temple at Porvorim when its interests were at stake,” he alleged.
Former minister Deepak Pauskar criticised the government for proceeding with the project despite opposition from local people.
Activists Rama Kankonkar and Shankar Polji alleged that the three MLAs of Sanvordem, Curchorem and Sanguem were supporting the project to achieve ulterior motives.
Local leader Aapa (Mangaldas) Naik said, “We will not stop our agitation till the government scraps the project.”
A sizeable number of women and children participated.
Holding mashals and placards, the rally proceeded towards the railway station, passed through the Curchorem market, moved towards the police station, then to Shivaji Chowk, and finally dispersed at Mirabag.
Others present included Prabhav Naik (Margao), former minister Deepak Pauskar, Pradip Kakodkar, Pushkal Sawant, Ali Shaikh, Rama Kankonkar, Shankar Polji, Meshu D’Costa, Tanuj Advalpalkar,
Aapa (Mangaldas) Naik, Sanket Bhandari, Upendra Naik, Vishwamala Naik and others.
