Team Goemkarponn
Margao: Margao witnessed a significant protest in front of the Margao Municipal Council (MMC) building, as citizens and traders gathered to voice their opposition to the proposed hike in taxes and fees.
Led by Congress leader Savio Coutinho, the gathering included prominent figures from both the Congress and Goa Forward parties, such as Orville Rodrigues and Dilip Prabhudesai.
The protest highlighted the widespread discontent over the allegedly misleading claims by MMC Chairperson Damodar Shirodkar that the increase was limited to 20%, when in reality, many residents face hikes ranging from 60% to 550%.
Savio Coutinho sharply criticized the BJP-led municipal council and Margao MLA Digamber Kamat for their insensitivity towards traders and taxpayers. He questioned the council’s ability to recover substantial dues, including those from mobile tower operators and petrol pumps on municipal land.
Coutinho emphasized the need for the council to first survey and assess unlicensed premises, thereby ensuring that all properties contribute fairly to the tax base before implementing any hikes.
Goa Forward leader Mohandas Lolienkar charged that the “triple engine” BJP administration was exploiting Margao’s residents, suggesting that the recent announcement by MLA Digamber Kamat was intended to burden the community from April 1 onwards. Lolienkar assured that Goa Forward councillors would oppose the hike and warned of electoral repercussions if the increases were not rolled back.
The protest also saw criticism of Chairperson Shirodkar’s tenure, marred by financial controversies, including fraud allegations and unaddressed financial misappropriations. Councilors Ravindra Naik and Lyndon Pereira voiced strong opposition to the hike, warning of a potential civil disobedience movement if it were implemented against public wishes.
