A defiant town and country planning minister Vishwajit Rane on Saturday said that he can bring 45,000 people from Sattari to Panaji to counter the ongoing protest by the villagers of Palem-Siridao against Section 39A of the Town and Country Planning Act.
Addressing a gathering in Sattari in the presence of chief minister Pramod Sawant, Rane assured Sawant of his support. “I want to assure the chief minister that if needed, I can bring my 45,000 people from Sattari to Panaji. There is no need to backtrack on development that benefits the people,” Rane said.
The minister accused the Siridao-Palem residents of resorting to blackmail by holding govt officers to ransom.
Refusing to revoke the land conversion approvals for nine projects, Rane said that the protesters could “sleep there day and night”, but the department will not give in.
“All issues need to be put forth in an appropriate manner. Govt officers cannot be held ransom. We go as per guidelines, and we can discuss these guidelines, and the assembly is the right forum,” said the TCP minister.
He said that govt refused to bow down to RG’s pressure tactics and urged MLA Viresh Borkar and RG to set a right example for people.
People cannot come on the streets and make laws, Rane said after laying the foundation stone for a new bridge at Sanvordem, Sattari.
“Whether it is the TCP office or any other department, govt at the highest level took a decision that decorum has to be maintained in govt offices. I never did such things in a govt office. We can ask for information through LAQs and then discuss this. Misbehaviour is not right. We cannot give this example to people,” said Rane.
The TCP minister feigned ignorance about Borkar being dragged out of the TCP office.
“I heard that something happened in the TCP department office. Viresh Borkar is my colleague, and I will find out what happened with him in the incident,” said Rane.
“Even though there are public sentiments against casinos today, Panaji will become deserted if they are removed. Also, if a charter of demands is presented to the chief minister, solutions should be proposed along with it,” Rane said.
