Goemkarponn desk
CURCHOREM: In a bizarre controversy, South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha and Power Minister Nilesh Cabral were involved in a verbal duel over the inauguration of multipurpose hall, constructed under MPLAD funds.
As such, the inauguration for the hall was done twice a day.
The first inauguration was done by local MLA Nilesh Cabral in the presence of eight councillors of Curchorem-Cacora municipality. Later in the day, Sardinha inaugurated the same again in the presence of Congress workers.
This multipurpose hall built at Pongirwal through MPLAD funds cost nearly Rs 1 cr, but this beautiful structure was hit by controversy due to two inaugurations.
Both BJP and Congress parties were involved in a war of words over teh multipurpose hall.
MLA Nilesh Cabral said they had invited the South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha according to protocol, but the MP Sardinha did not turn up.
“Hence we along with local councillors of Curchorem cacora inaugurated the multipurpose hall at Pongirwal,” Cabral said.
Further, Cabral said that he has the right to do so as a local MLA.
“If the MP does not attend the function even after giving the invitation. Three times the local councillor Tony Coutinho visited Sardinha’s residence for invitation and follow-up,” he said.
After the inauguration, the councillor put the locks on the doors of the multipurpose hall, which were broken open later by Congress workers on the order of South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha.
Sardinha squarely blamed Cabral for the mess.
“It is unfortunate and shameful that such things happen to create differences between our own people,” he said.
He said the inauguration by Cabral was unofficial as they did not follow the protocol.
“It is the right of the MP to inaugurate a project taken up under MPLAD funds. Cabral misused his powers and misled the people,” he said.
Sardinha further appreciated the works of Curchorem Congress block president Pushkal Sawant for keeping his calmness during this heated drama.
Local Councillor Tony Coutinho said that the mess was started by Curchorem Congress block president Pushkal Sawant as he forcefully started doing work without giving information and intimation to the local councillor of the ward.
“I have put in a lot of hard work for this project, and suddenly some people barge in and start goondagiri,” he said.
