PANJIM: The gloves are off between a senior minister and an MLA supporting the government. Both of them are openly making no-holds-barred statements against each other as well as allegations.
Town and Country Planning Minister (TCP) Minister Vishwajit Rane on Friday claimed that Independent Mandrem MLA Jit Arolkar had come to him personally to convert 1 lakh square metres land and now he is demanding to scrap the Pernem Zoning Plan.
Addressing a press conference at Altinho, Rane said, “Jit Arolkar came to my house to convert 1 lakh square meters of land. He wanted to convert cultivable land with zoning and irrigation, partly orchard and partly paddy field, partly irrigation area, which had been approved under 16 B of the TCP Act. I told him only one thing that I could not do. I am not a ‘dalal’ or broker. I have briefed the Chief Minister over the statement of the MLA.”
Rane also alleged that the MLA has built a farmhouse in a paddy field which is illegal. “I have asked the TCP department to issue a show cause notice and an order to demolish the building,” the Minister said.
“The MLA himself is committing illegalities and trying to portray that he is awakening the people and working for the betterment of the people,” Rane alleged.
The TCP Minister said suggestions and objections from the people will be taken into consideration before finalising the Pernem Zoning Plan.
He also added that there would be a presentation of the plans in all the village panchayats before it is finalised.
“When I went to Pernem taluka, people demanded that their houses should be included in the plan. We have tried to incorporate all the assurances given earlier and will try to incorporate the rest of the assurances,” the TCP Minister said.
“The expert committee along with the consultant will scrutinise the suggestions and objections within the next 15-20 days and will try to incorporate them too in the plan. The plan will be an inclusive one,” he said.
Rane stressed that the Pernem Zoning Plan would not be withdrawn.
Won’t allow TCP department to harass my voters: Jit
PERNEM: Responding to the allegations made by TCP Minister Vishwajit Rane, Mandrem MLA, Jit Arolkar said he will not allow the TCP department to harass his voters for protecting Pernem taluka.
“Vishwajit (Rane) is a senior legislator. I respect him because he is senior to me. I may not have knowledge and experience as my senior colleague but I know one thing- my Dharma- as an elected member I have a duty to my voters. If my voters want me to take up an issue, no matter my personal opinion, I have to take it up. I will stand with my people,” Arolkar said.
“In any urban planning exercise, ground survey is important. I'm not saying this - the Urban and Regional Development Plans Formulation and Implementation Guidelines (URDPFI)' released by the Modi government in 2015 says it. My personal business is separate from my political duties and responsibilities. If I do something wrong, I'll face justice. Whatever I did is transparent,” he said.
Arolkar thanked the Minister for revealing his personal matters and said now people will know that the Minister will not do any personal favours for him.
“Now people will know I am selflessly taking up this issue. There is no benefit to me anymore. This issue is not just about Pernem and the people of Goa are watching what's happening. Let the people of Goa judge me if I am wrong,” he said.
Arolkar said, “I want to give Chief Town Planner a warning. You can take any action against me but even if one of my constituency voters gets a notice as revenge for opposing the zone plan, I will not keep quiet.”