Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: South Goa MP Captain Viriato Fernandes has urged Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to intervene urgently in the controversy over the installation of the traditional Murgaoncho Raja Ganesh idol at Sada, Mormugao.
In a letter to the Chief Minister’s Office, Fernandes raised concerns over the objection by the Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) to the use of port-owned land for erecting the Sarvajanik Ganapati pandal at the traditional venue.
The site has been used for the annual Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations for several years. The MPA’s decision to contest the use of the land in court has, according to Fernandes, caused concern among devotees and local residents.
Fernandes questioned the decision to pursue legal proceedings and alleged that it could leave the administration claiming that the matter is sub judice and that it has limited scope to intervene.
The South Goa MP said that with the Bharatiya Janata Party governments in power in both Goa and at the Centre, the State should proactively explore acquiring the required parcel of land from the MPA and provide a permanent venue for the annual celebrations.
Referring to concerns raised earlier during discussions on the Major Port Authorities Act, Fernandes said the enhanced autonomy granted to major port authorities had effectively created “a state within a state”.
He further alleged that the MPA’s actions, after changes involving local workers and the privatisation of operational berths, were now affecting longstanding cultural and religious traditions associated with the area.
With Ganesh Chaturthi approaching, Fernandes has urged Sawant to direct the MPA Chairman to grant permission for the installation of the pandal at the traditional site this year.
He has also called upon the State Government to coordinate with the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways to initiate the process of formally acquiring the land, with the aim of ensuring that the Murgaoncho Raja celebrations can continue at the traditional venue without similar disputes in the future.
