Team Goemkarponn
Panaji:
Goa Forward Party President and Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai has strongly refuted allegations that he was involved in converting nearly five lakh square metres of land in Bicholim taluka during his tenure in office. Terming the accusations as “blatant lies”, Sardesai accused the ruling party and its allies of resorting to diversionary tactics due to the growing public support for his movement.
Taking to social media, Sardesai said, “I have heard an individual making claims of me having converted around 5 lakh sqm of land in Bicholim Taluka. This accusation is a blatant lie and enquiries reveal that the said land (Sy. No. 113/3 & 114/3 at Carapur in Bicholim taluka) was never converted during my tenure.”
He further clarified that the application for zone change under Section 16B for another property (Sy. No. 104/4, Carapur – Bicholim) was received in 2021, “much after I demitted office in 2019.”
Sardesai challenged the individual and the ruling party to prove the allegations, stating: “I challenge the INDIVIDUAL and the RULING PARTY and any JOINT VENTURE to prove me wrong with regards to this matter.”
Calling the claims a desperate move to derail the public movement he leads, Sardesai said the campaign, which focuses on listening to people’s issues, has “shaken the status quo” and rattled those in power due to the overwhelming response it has received.
“These diversionary tactics will not stop me from standing with Goemkars. I will continue to listen, fight and speak up, unshaken and unstoppable,” Sardesai added.
The former minister’s statement comes amid rising political tensions in the state, as several opposition leaders have stepped up attacks on the BJP-led government over issues of governance, land use, and public accountability.
