Team Goemkarponn
VASCO: South Goa MP Capt. Viriato Fernandes on Saturday morning raised strong objection to the statement made by South Goa Collector Egna Cleetus regarding the recent Rassaim fire incident. Fernandes questioned how the Collector could conclude that it was not a blast but merely a fire when the inquiry was still pending.
“How can she be sure there was no blast? There could have been a blast that triggered the fire. The inquiry should reveal the cause — otherwise, there is no point in holding one. Cleetus is an upright officer, but it looks like she is under some pressure,” Fernandes remarked. He also alleged that a Cabinet Minister in the Goa government may have business connections with the premises affected in the incident.
Fernandes made these remarks after inaugurating his new office in Vasco in the presence of several Congress leaders. He said the office was set up to ensure easier access for people from Mormugao to raise their grievances. “We had the idea for this office for a long time. While we have started a ‘zero hour’ initiative in Margao for people to discuss their issues, this office in Vasco will help residents connect with us more conveniently,” he said.
On the upcoming Ponda by-election, Fernandes said the decision on the candidate would be taken by the party high command. “As per me, Rajesh Vernekar, who contested last time, is our future MLA. He is a very active Congress worker. People across Goa are seeking a change — there is a silent noise for transformation,” he added.
Calling for greater opposition unity to counter the BJP, Fernandes said, “We need a larger coalition to defeat the corrupt BJP. Congress follows an inclusive policy, while BJP thrives on division. This fight is about ideology.”
Commenting on the AAP–Congress alliance equation, he stated, “We were strong in the last elections despite some differences. But when alliances are made and suddenly Kejriwal declares entry into Bihar, it sends a wrong message. The idea seems to be to split votes, and that hurts the fight for unity.”
