Team Goemkarponn
VASCO: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Goa president Valmiki Naik, along with party leaders, confronted BJP MP Sadanand Shet Tanavade and other BJP leaders over the recent fire at Vasco’s Sunday Market, demanding immediate relief, alternative vending arrangements and full compensation for affected traders.
The AAP delegation alleged that government negligence and inadequate firefighting infrastructure contributed to the severity of the incident. The confrontation also led to a tense exchange with police personnel, with AAP leaders alleging that they were pushed and prevented from questioning the BJP leaders.
Those present included AAP Goa Women’s Wing president Mamata Maben, South Goa Youth Wing president Neash Coutinho and AAP Goa Legal Wing vice-president advocate Sunil Loran.
Naik blamed the BJP-led government for what he described as a preventable disaster, alleging that Vasco’s firefighting infrastructure was inadequate for a major industrial, commercial and residential centre. He pointed to alleged deficiencies in fire hydrants and damaged fire hoses, arguing that the condition of essential emergency infrastructure had worsened the situation.
Maben said vendors were facing severe financial losses after their stocks, purchased ahead of the Diwali season, were reportedly destroyed in the blaze. She accused BJP leaders of prioritising publicity over providing clear assurances on immediate relief and alleged that they avoided answering questions raised by the AAP delegation.
Coutinho criticised the police response, questioning why personnel were allegedly used to prevent the party from questioning BJP leaders. He also called for an immediate, statewide audit of fire safety infrastructure to identify deficiencies and prevent similar incidents.
Advocate Loran demanded that the government release financial assistance to all affected vendors without delay. He cautioned against subjecting traders who had suffered losses to excessive documentation and bureaucratic procedures while seeking relief.
The AAP leaders reiterated their demand for immediate rehabilitation arrangements and adequate compensation for the affected traders, stating that the government must take responsibility for addressing the losses and strengthening fire safety infrastructure across Goa.
