THURSDAY, JULY 04, 2024
Team Herald
MARGAO: An attempt by the Margao municipality to deny permission to Goa Forward Party (GFP) president Vijai Sardesai to hold a public meeting in the municipal hall has escalated tensions between the two groups of councillors supported by Fatorda and Margao MLAs.
Sardesai sought permission from the MMC hall to hold a ‘Janta Darbar’ to meet the general public on Thursday, July 4.
Sources revealed that as of Monday, MMC was unlikely to grant permission, although this has yet to be formally conveyed to Sardesai's camp.
Reacting to this development, Sardesai pointed out that the Chief Officer (CO) has yet to inform him about the decision.
He added that if permission is indeed denied, he would go ahead and hold the meeting with the people in front of the municipal building.
Sardesai emphasised his statutory powers as an associate member of the Margao Municipality, stating that holding the Janta Darbar is his right as an elected representative, regardless of permission. “This is not something bestowed upon me but it is my right as the elected representative. If they give permission or not, we will hold the Janta Darbar on that day,” said Sardesai.
When contacted by mediapersons, MMC chairperson Damodar Shirodkar hinted that the request to hold the meeting is not being considered by the CO.
Shirodkar explained that such a Janta Darbar has never been held at the MMC Hall in the past.
He clarified that only government-sponsored events are allowed at the MMC Hall, apart from meetings organised by the MMC.
Sardesai pointed out that he held a Janta Darbar when he was a minister.
The Fatorda MLA questioned whether it is democracy if an elected representative cannot meet and hear the grievances of people, which is the purpose of holding the meeting.
GFP office bearers also questioned the rationale behind denying permission for a public meeting.
