Team Goemkarponn
CANACONA: The Goa Forward Party (GFP) has demanded the immediate re-issuance of the cancelled work order for the beautification and renovation of Shree Mallikarjun Temple at Avem-Khotigao, alleging that the decision was taken after objections were raised over the contractor’s religion.
Addressing a press conference, GFP spokesperson Vikas Bhagat, in the presence of Canacona Block President Umesh Tubki, questioned the cancellation of the ₹5.42 crore project and sought an explanation from the government and local MLA and Minister Ramesh Tawadkar.
Bhagat said the people of Khotigao had waited for years for the temple’s development and had welcomed the sanctioning of the project. However, he expressed surprise that the work order, issued on July 3, 2026, was cancelled just three days later despite all formalities, including the commencement and completion schedule, having been completed.
He alleged that the cancellation followed objections over the contractor being from the Muslim community and maintained that public development works should not be influenced by religious considerations.
Bhagat questioned who was responsible for revoking the work order, noting that the tender conditions did not restrict participation based on religion. He demanded that the government clarify the reasons behind the cancellation and immediately restore the project.
The GFP spokesperson also criticised what he described as selective outrage over the contractor’s religion while referring to alleged thefts at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, arguing that such incidents had not drawn similar public condemnation from those claiming to protect religious sentiments.
Reiterating the party’s position, Bhagat said GFP strongly condemns the cancellation of the work order and has demanded that the government revoke the cancellation and resume the temple’s beautification and renovation works without delay.
