Team Goemkarponn
Fatorda: The indefinite protest against the controversial Mirabag bandhara project intensified dramatically yesterday when agitating villagers, frustrated after 27 days of government apathy, took their fight to the doors of the Goa Legislative Assembly. Goa Forward Party (GFP) President and Fatorda MLA, Shri Vijai Sardesai along with Senior leaders of GFP, and activists have strongly condemned the government’s response and demanded immediate justice.
Senior Leader and General Secretary, Goa Forward Party, Mohandas Lolienkar, stated that the step taken by the protestors was a direct outcome of the government turning a deaf ear to their legitimate demands. He asserted that their action was a reaction to the complete lack of response from the authorities. Lolienkar emphasized that instead of addressing the concerns of the people, the Chief Minister chose to hand them over to the police, despite them being peaceful citizens and not criminals. He clarified that the protest was not a set-up but a genuine movement by the people themselves. Lolienkar applauded their courage and noted that GFP President Vijai Sardesai has also appreciated their bravery.
GFP President and Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai condemned the government for its oppressive response, stating that it has revealed its true colours. He observed that for over 27 days, the government remained unresponsive, forcing the protestors to hold a banner demanding justice just to draw attention. Sardesai accused the Chief Minister of overstepping by taking on the role of the Speaker and ordering the protestors to be thrown out. He described this as a sign of oppressive rule, a government that refuses to listen to its people.
Sardesai further questioned the silence of local representatives, asking why the Panch had not visited the affected people. He accused the BJP of believing that no opposition exists. He vowed to fight for all issues in the Sanvordem constituency and declared that the government’s dadagiri would not be tolerated. He appreciated the protestors for standing by their conviction that their actions were justified.
Senior Activist Appa Naik, detailed the two-year-long struggle against the project. He explained that the villagers had filed RTIs, met Ministers and the Chief Minister, and repeatedly informed them about how the project would affect their sacred places, temples, and livelihoods. They even approached the technical engineers to explain the ground realities. Despite all these efforts, the government remained unmoved, forcing them to begin the protest. Naik acknowledged Vijai Sardesai’s support in their fight and reiterated that they have done nothing wrong, they are simply seeking justice.
Youth Activist Upendra Naik, exposed the lack of transparency surrounding the ₹400 crore project. He revealed that upon studying the matter, the villagers discovered that the project did not even have the necessary permissions. Despite two years of asking, the government has failed to provide any documents or clarity on which areas will be affected. Frustrated by the government’s silence, the villagers resorted to protesting. He clarified that going to the Assembly was their last resort to grab attention of the government, and they have done nothing violent or wrong. Naik vowed that the protest will continue until the project is completely scrapped, noting that past assurances from Ministers, including one given inside a temple, by Subhash Shirodkar were broken. He demanded a written guarantee this time.
Former MLA, Sanvordem, Deepak Pawaskar, criticized the government’s vindictive approach toward the protestors. He recalled that when the activists took their issue to the Assembly, Vijai Sardesai immediately visited the protest site and understood the situation. Pawaskar saluted Sardesai for his efforts to uphold democracy and fight for justice. He questioned why the Assembly Speaker, despite claiming to know everything about the issue, took no action. Pawaskar also highlighted the hypocrisy of granting NOCs for farms only to have them turned into garbage dumps, disrupting livelihoods. He condemned the police action against the protestors, noting that an FIR was filed against them in Porvorim, they were interrogated for 15 hours, and Sections 170 and 155 were imposed. They are now forced to report to the police station daily. Pawaskar demanded the immediate withdrawal of these cases, asserting that the protestors did nothing wrong and destroyed nothing. He concluded that the government is asleep and only Vijai Sardesai can wake them up, declaring that Sardesai should be the Chief Minister of Goa.
The Goa Forward Party demands the immediate withdrawal of these cases filed against the protestors and a written assurance from the government scrapping the Mirabag bandhara project once and for all.
