Protestors Gherao TCP Minister Rane’s Bungalow over MLA’s Fasting Protest

PANAJI: The protestors gathered at Azad maidan in large numbers hailing from different parts of the state but the police in Benaulim, Velim and Verna stopped the buses heading for the protest march in Panaji.

The protestors then decided to march to the Town and Country Planning minister, Mr Vishwajeet Rane bungalow in Dona Paula. The march was headed by the Opposition Leader in the House along with Congress Party leaders, Aam Aadmi Party MLAs and Goa Forward leaders and Revolutionary Goans Party members besides youth activists, ladies hailing from different talukas of the state and marched to the House of TCP minister. They squatted there and occupied the major part of the road at Dona Paula right in front of the TCP minister’s house and blocked the smooth flow of the motorised traffic. They squatted there for a long time but returned back to Azad Maidan when they heard the health condition of the fasting RG MLA, Mr Viresh Borkar at around 11 pm. Meanwhile, the Chief minister said the opposition leaders have the right to protest but the protest should be held within limits (maryada) as they know the law very well stated the chief minister, Dr Pramod Sawant, late evening after watching the opposition led protest march at TCP minister, Mr Vishwajit Rane’s house at Dona Paula. The chief minister appealed to the Opposition Leader to maintain decorum as he knows law and knows how to protest in a proper way adding he should remember that the minister whose house he marched and gheroed is also his colleague. The security of the minister’s family is a major concern for the police guarding the house.

Speaking to the media, Dr Sawant said no one has stopped the protestors at Azad Maidan but marching to a minister’s residence with the crowd and taking law into their hands is improper.

They are free to protest at Azad Maidan and submit their representations to the Collector. the chief minister opined. While elaborating further the chief minister said such behaviour from elected representatives (MLAs) is unbecoming and urged them to refrain from such actions. He said the police have been silent throughout the protest adding they should be allowed to maintain law and order.