An inimitable activist but dubbed as a ‘bunny’ in politics, Matanhy Saldanha, UGDP general secretary lambasts the two MPs for not addressing the woes of the Goan society at the center. In a chat with JULIO D’SILVA, he exudes confidence of making it to the Lok Sabha from South Goa.
GT: Matanhy how do you rate your chances at these elections?
Matanhy Saldanha (MS): These elections are crucial for Goa and the country. For us in Goa, they are crucial, as the state appears to be in a state of chaos. There is no governance as the interest of the people are put aside only to fulfill the vested interest and the quality of life of the common man is worsening due to the lobbyist policies of the government.
The people of Goa are feeling insecure and this is reflected in the various revolts that are taking place be it against the mega-projects, against the highway or against the railway loop.
GT: But if one considers the results of the last elections, your party’s performance was quite poor and it would be a gigantic task to talk about winning the elections.
MS: The circumstances have changed since then. World history tells us that changes have occurred due to circumstances and in Goa the circumstances are ripe for a change. Recent developments, especially in Salcete indicate that people are ready for a change. The very fact that people are reacting is an indicator of the dissatisfaction.
GT: The question is whether the dissatisfaction will convert into votes?
MS: I am confident that this time there will not be emotional voting.
GT: Matanhy, what role would have a regional party have in the Lok Sabha?
MS: Erasmo Sequeira was a representative of a regional party and he was an effective voice in the parliament. The party is not important, what is important is the person’s capacity to study the subject in national interest without compromising the State’s concerns. Although Goa has two MPs in the Lok Sabha, they have failed to put forth the State’s aspirations.
GT: What according to you should have been the role of the MPs?
MS: Irrespective of the political affiliations, the MPs should have acted as co-ordinators between the Centre and the State and address the people’s problems. It is time for us to think of the State’s interest. What has Goa gained from the various central projects? If railways want land, the State government acquires it, but in return are there any jobs reserved for Goans? What benefit has Goa got in terms of job reservation or anything from the Defence undertakings, from NIO and even from MPT? How many Goans are employed in these establishments?
GT: But those are issues of yore, what about today?
MS: What issues pertaining to Goa have been highlighted at the Centre? The basic fault of our past MPs has been that they have failed to highlight the uniqueness of Goa at the centre. Because of the distinct character of Goa, many of the Central laws cannot be made applicable to our state due to which today many of the central schemes cannot be implemented in Goa. There are various examples of this. If our MPs had to act properly then, today the Zilla Panchayats would not have been clamouring for powers. If our MPs had to do their job, the below poverty line schemes could have been provided to Goans. If our MPs had to highlight the plight of the coastal residents the CRZ laws could have been amended for Goa.
Why have our MPs not mooted for changing the Gadgil-Mukherjee formula, which is actually punishing performing States like Goa. Why is it that the Mhadei issue has not been raised in the Parliament? Here let me clarify that the Rajya Sabha MP Shantaram Naik is making some efforts.
GT: So what are the issues at these elections?
MS: Actually even the national issues are the State issues. Security of the nation is an issue in Goa as the terror threat can have an adverse impact on tourism. But the issues concerning Goa also are national issues. The Mhadei river dispute, the railways’ expansion plans, MPT’s jurisdiction that affects the common man and even in the Incredible India campaign of Government of India how Goa has been ignored. These are the issues that make one wonder whether our elected representatives have really been addressing the interest of the people or interest of land?
GT: Matanhy, you are perceived as a very good activist but a poor politician.
MS: It is because our political class has failed us that we are forced to step into the political arena. Today politics has become a business and people’s aspirations and welfare are forgotten.
GT: Elections are today governed with money power, which you apparently lack. So how would you tackle this aspect?
MS: It is true that people have been voting for money. But then, there is a limit for everything, and in Goa, I think this is the limit, as people are today feeling insecure. Demographically, linguistically and culturally the Goan population is feeling threatened and isolated. The terms of minority and majority that were applied to religions earlier have taken a new meaning today with Goans, irrespective of their religious affiliations, fearing that they are turning into a minority in their own land.
GT: There is a perception that you are in the fray to play spoilsport.
MS: Spoil what? If projecting the right demands of the people is spoilsport, so be it. What is politics then, a game of manipulation of, for and by vested interests or is it to put the people’s interest first? These are the questions that people have to ask.
GT: How will the change in your party symbol effect you?
MS: I do admit that the change in the symbol is a little setback. But then the symbol may change, the person has not changed. I am still the same Matanhy who has been fighting for issues pertaining to Goa and Goans. But yes, we have to work a little harder and the people of South Goa have to think a little harder.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
BJP manifesto promises special status for Goa
Following are the salient features of the Bharatiya Janata Party manifesto which was released in the city on Tuesday.
- Special status to retain cultural identity and integrity of the state
- Making Goa an ‘Educational Hub’
- Construction of new parallel bridge over Zuari
- Completion of Galgibag-Talpona bridge
- 4-laning of NH-17 with minimal damage to private property
- Rapid bus transport along Mapusa, Panjim, Vasco and Margao
- Special coridoor for scooters
- Up-gradation and extension of Dabolim airport
- Fast completion of greenfield airport at Mopa
- Reviewing MPT zone of jurisdiction and expansion
- Denotifying SEZs, changing SEZ law and cancelling Goa’s SEZs
- Stopping illegal mining
- Recruitment centre for Goa for all central sector jobs including Posts &Telegraphs
- Protection of STs by implementing Tribal Forest Act
Monday, April 13, 2009
Churchill promises to work for Sardinha
BY A GT REPORTER
MARGAO: Confusion in the Congress party in Goa was sorted out after AICC general secretary incharge of Goa desk, B K Hariprasad and PWD Minister Churchill Alemao held a meeting at Nanutel in the city on Sunday (April 12) evening.
State Congress leaders converged at the hotel to finalise arrangement for the public meeting to be addressed by AICC president Sonia Gandhi at Fatorda on April 15.
Churchill, who met Hariprasad is said to have agreed to follow the dictates of the Central leadership and work for the victory of party candidate Francisco Sardinha in South Goa.
When contacted, Churchill said that his meeting with the Central party observer was to finalise arrangements for Sonia's meeting in Goa. He denied having discussed any other issue including the disqualification petition filed by Tourism Minister Mickky Pacheco against him and Curtorim MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco who got elected on SGF ticket and later merged with the Congress after the 2007 assembly elections.
Addressing the media before meeting Churchill, Hariprasad claimed that the issue of the disqualification petition is not within his jurisdiction. As for Election Commission decision on SGF, Hariprasad stated that Churchill's views will be represented to the Election Commission.
Speaking on purpose of his visit to the state, Hariprasad stated that he had come to finalise arrangements for Sonia's forthcoming meeting in Goa and mobilise support to make the meeting successful.
On the failure of the party to honour the agreement to give his daughter Valanka the Lok Sabah ticket, the AICC general secretary clarified that there is party criteria in allotting tickets to candidates. Factors such as merit and winnability also are considered and guidelines are followed by the Congress Central Election Committee in deciding the allotment of tickets.
On the issue of Churchill blaming Chief Minister Digambar Kamat and the GPCC president, Subhash Shirodkar, the AICC general secretary said that the two are at the helm of affairs and enjoy support of party leaders. Although the two can suggest names for party ticket they are not authorised to decide candidates, he added.
Claiming that Churchill is his friend, Hariprasad said that his problem will be sorted out and that he would participate in campaign.
MARGAO: Confusion in the Congress party in Goa was sorted out after AICC general secretary incharge of Goa desk, B K Hariprasad and PWD Minister Churchill Alemao held a meeting at Nanutel in the city on Sunday (April 12) evening.
State Congress leaders converged at the hotel to finalise arrangement for the public meeting to be addressed by AICC president Sonia Gandhi at Fatorda on April 15.
Churchill, who met Hariprasad is said to have agreed to follow the dictates of the Central leadership and work for the victory of party candidate Francisco Sardinha in South Goa.
When contacted, Churchill said that his meeting with the Central party observer was to finalise arrangements for Sonia's meeting in Goa. He denied having discussed any other issue including the disqualification petition filed by Tourism Minister Mickky Pacheco against him and Curtorim MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco who got elected on SGF ticket and later merged with the Congress after the 2007 assembly elections.
Addressing the media before meeting Churchill, Hariprasad claimed that the issue of the disqualification petition is not within his jurisdiction. As for Election Commission decision on SGF, Hariprasad stated that Churchill's views will be represented to the Election Commission.
Speaking on purpose of his visit to the state, Hariprasad stated that he had come to finalise arrangements for Sonia's forthcoming meeting in Goa and mobilise support to make the meeting successful.
On the failure of the party to honour the agreement to give his daughter Valanka the Lok Sabah ticket, the AICC general secretary clarified that there is party criteria in allotting tickets to candidates. Factors such as merit and winnability also are considered and guidelines are followed by the Congress Central Election Committee in deciding the allotment of tickets.
On the issue of Churchill blaming Chief Minister Digambar Kamat and the GPCC president, Subhash Shirodkar, the AICC general secretary said that the two are at the helm of affairs and enjoy support of party leaders. Although the two can suggest names for party ticket they are not authorised to decide candidates, he added.
Claiming that Churchill is his friend, Hariprasad said that his problem will be sorted out and that he would participate in campaign.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
GCA to tap young talent in cricket
BY A GT SPORTS REPORTER
PANJIM: The Goa Cricket Association (GCA) has decided to shift focus to the under-12 and under-14 segment of the game.
Dayanand Narvekar, the president of GCA said that beginning from Monday a month-long exercise to tap talent (U-12, U-14 boys and women) would get underway at 12 centres in the state.
The centers include Mashem, Curchorem, Shiroda, Ponda, Bogda (Vasco), Aldona, Chapora, Mapusa, Sanquelim, Bicholim, Kancholem and Pernem. About 500 boys and girls are expected to turn out for the training schedule.
The camps would be conducted by 20 SAG coaches, who will oversee the training during the first quarter after which the number would be pruned to 15 in each category at each center. The second quarter would involve matches involving teams from all centers.
“So far we have concentrated on the under-13 players and then on to U-14 players. But we’ve found out during the last two years that though we have good players in the U-19 (category) basic talent was not available in the under-14 (section),” Narvekar said before adding that the idea of laying stress on the U-12 group was arrived at after a presentation made by Sandeep Naik.
Narvekar also informed that 5 GCA coaches, including the newest addition, Avinash Aware, will be supervising the camp. The SAG coaches would be paid a remuneration of Rs 10,000 each, while every club organizing the camp at the 12 centres would be given Rs 15000 in addition to the playing equipment.
Apart from Aware, and Raghuram Bhat (spin coach), who is already training the 25 players at Porvorim, Milind Gunjal will join the GCA roster as batting coach from April 5.
“The camp is not for GCA players, it is free for anybody and anybody,” Narvekar stressed.
At the end of the exercise, the GCA would retain 50 players in each category for further training, the GCA chief informed.
The GCA is also set to make functional its residential cricket academy at Porvorim (DIET ground) from July 2009. “The work is going on in full swing and it will take another 3 months to finish,” Narvekar said, while detailing out the parameters (of the sports policty) that would be required to make the participation more effective.
A gymnasium costing about Rs 80 lakh is also being put up at Povorim, according to Narvekar, who also spoke of `extensive laying of pitches’ at Porvorim, Shiroda and BITS Pilani (Sancoale), saying these are all turf grounds, which are done by noted BCCI (South Zone) curator Vishwanathan.
The mud for these pitches is being brought from the Godavari basin in Hyderabad, which would render them (pitches) sporting and expect a lot of bounce.
Goa may host ODI this year
If the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) sticks to its rotation policy for awarding international matches, Goa would in all probability be awarded one in October this year.
Narvekar, said that Goa would be allotted an ODI involving either Australia or Sri Lanka, though the BCCI is yet to name the venues for matches during the visit of both the teams.
Preferring to host the Australia match, Narvekar said that the GCA has already alerted the Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) and would take charge of the ground from May 20 so as to relay the entire pitch and get it ready in time for the ODI.
PANJIM: The Goa Cricket Association (GCA) has decided to shift focus to the under-12 and under-14 segment of the game.
Dayanand Narvekar, the president of GCA said that beginning from Monday a month-long exercise to tap talent (U-12, U-14 boys and women) would get underway at 12 centres in the state.
The centers include Mashem, Curchorem, Shiroda, Ponda, Bogda (Vasco), Aldona, Chapora, Mapusa, Sanquelim, Bicholim, Kancholem and Pernem. About 500 boys and girls are expected to turn out for the training schedule.
The camps would be conducted by 20 SAG coaches, who will oversee the training during the first quarter after which the number would be pruned to 15 in each category at each center. The second quarter would involve matches involving teams from all centers.
“So far we have concentrated on the under-13 players and then on to U-14 players. But we’ve found out during the last two years that though we have good players in the U-19 (category) basic talent was not available in the under-14 (section),” Narvekar said before adding that the idea of laying stress on the U-12 group was arrived at after a presentation made by Sandeep Naik.
Narvekar also informed that 5 GCA coaches, including the newest addition, Avinash Aware, will be supervising the camp. The SAG coaches would be paid a remuneration of Rs 10,000 each, while every club organizing the camp at the 12 centres would be given Rs 15000 in addition to the playing equipment.
Apart from Aware, and Raghuram Bhat (spin coach), who is already training the 25 players at Porvorim, Milind Gunjal will join the GCA roster as batting coach from April 5.
“The camp is not for GCA players, it is free for anybody and anybody,” Narvekar stressed.
At the end of the exercise, the GCA would retain 50 players in each category for further training, the GCA chief informed.
The GCA is also set to make functional its residential cricket academy at Porvorim (DIET ground) from July 2009. “The work is going on in full swing and it will take another 3 months to finish,” Narvekar said, while detailing out the parameters (of the sports policty) that would be required to make the participation more effective.
A gymnasium costing about Rs 80 lakh is also being put up at Povorim, according to Narvekar, who also spoke of `extensive laying of pitches’ at Porvorim, Shiroda and BITS Pilani (Sancoale), saying these are all turf grounds, which are done by noted BCCI (South Zone) curator Vishwanathan.
The mud for these pitches is being brought from the Godavari basin in Hyderabad, which would render them (pitches) sporting and expect a lot of bounce.
Goa may host ODI this year
If the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) sticks to its rotation policy for awarding international matches, Goa would in all probability be awarded one in October this year.
Narvekar, said that Goa would be allotted an ODI involving either Australia or Sri Lanka, though the BCCI is yet to name the venues for matches during the visit of both the teams.
Preferring to host the Australia match, Narvekar said that the GCA has already alerted the Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) and would take charge of the ground from May 20 so as to relay the entire pitch and get it ready in time for the ODI.
Willy unhappy with choice of Deshprabhu?
BY A GT REPORTER
PANJIM: Is Dr Wilfred de Souza unhappy with the decision to nominate Jitendra Deshprabhu as the NCP candidate for the North Goa parliamentary seat?
During a press conference, held on Thursday, the state NCP president evaded a direct reply whether he was happy with Deshprabhu's candidature or otherwise. "Persons meant to be happy are the people of Goa, North Goa in particular. It is their wish. If they wish, he (Deshprabhu) will win," said Dr de Souza.
When asked to judge Deshprabhu's candidature on the grounds of 'winnability', Dr de Souza replied, "Deshprabhu has been a member of the Goa legislative Assembly for two terms. I have seen his performance. His performance as a legislator is satisfactory. Under the present circumstances, I don't know what will be the impression in the minds of the people...whether happy or not, we have chosen a candidate. Now, we will have to work."
Elaborating further about the absence of a candidate from the NCP to contest the LS elections, Dr de Souza recounted the decisions of the State Executive Committee. "We had sent six names proposed by the state NCP Executive Committee. It was considered by the party High Command and they chose a third person (Deshprabhu)."
He also denied any compromise formula worked out between himself and the party High Command. "No. There is no compromise formula. My High Command and the Congress High Command decided on a coalition...they decided that we want a winnable candidate. We all sat and arrived at a formula."
Elaborating on the happenings at the national level and other such coalitions with the Congress which have fallen apart, Dr Willy informed that he received a message on Sunday from the NCP party High Command about sewing up the coalition at the state level. "Once I got the signal, I got in touch with Chief Minister Digambar Kamat. It was decided that a consensus candidate who will win has to be fielded.
PANJIM: Is Dr Wilfred de Souza unhappy with the decision to nominate Jitendra Deshprabhu as the NCP candidate for the North Goa parliamentary seat?
During a press conference, held on Thursday, the state NCP president evaded a direct reply whether he was happy with Deshprabhu's candidature or otherwise. "Persons meant to be happy are the people of Goa, North Goa in particular. It is their wish. If they wish, he (Deshprabhu) will win," said Dr de Souza.
When asked to judge Deshprabhu's candidature on the grounds of 'winnability', Dr de Souza replied, "Deshprabhu has been a member of the Goa legislative Assembly for two terms. I have seen his performance. His performance as a legislator is satisfactory. Under the present circumstances, I don't know what will be the impression in the minds of the people...whether happy or not, we have chosen a candidate. Now, we will have to work."
Elaborating further about the absence of a candidate from the NCP to contest the LS elections, Dr de Souza recounted the decisions of the State Executive Committee. "We had sent six names proposed by the state NCP Executive Committee. It was considered by the party High Command and they chose a third person (Deshprabhu)."
He also denied any compromise formula worked out between himself and the party High Command. "No. There is no compromise formula. My High Command and the Congress High Command decided on a coalition...they decided that we want a winnable candidate. We all sat and arrived at a formula."
Elaborating on the happenings at the national level and other such coalitions with the Congress which have fallen apart, Dr Willy informed that he received a message on Sunday from the NCP party High Command about sewing up the coalition at the state level. "Once I got the signal, I got in touch with Chief Minister Digambar Kamat. It was decided that a consensus candidate who will win has to be fielded.
Cong-NCP will bag both seats: Kamat
BY A GT REPORTER
MARGAO: A gung-ho Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat, on Thursday (April 2) exuded confidence that Congress nominee in South Goa, the sitting MP, Francisco Sardinha and, Congress-NCP combine would net both the seats from Goa in the April 23 Lok Sabha polls.
Addressing the media soon after Sardinha filed his nominations for the South Goa parliamentary seat, Kamat recalled that Sardinha had scored a 40,000-vote victory in the 2007 by-poll despite the low turnout, and that in the Pale assembly bye-poll, too, Congress' Pratap Gawas won comfortably.
“Even if the voter turnout is just 60 per cent, the party will get a 80,000-vote lead in South Goa," Kamat said.
Sardinha, who is contesting the seat for the third time said, “everyone is united and Congress will win without doubt.”
The BJP has already conceded defeat, he said pointing out to remarks attributed to BJP's national leader Sushma Sawaraj in Madhya Pradesh (MP).
Replying to questions, Sardinha claimed he released Rs 72-75 lakh for development works in the last one-and-a-half year in the constituency, including distributing computers and projectors to schools under the MPLAD scheme.
Sardinha also admitted his failure to fulfill the assurance on 'dhirios', but added that he did introduce a private member's bill in Parliament which has lapsed. "Being the property of the House it will be re-introduced when elected, in the very first session," he promised.
Other priorities listed on his agenda, Sardinha said, were a parallel Zuari bridge as well as the twin bridges across the Talpona and Galgibag rivers in Canacona taluka that would complete the “golden quadrilateral.”
Delhi to decide Churchill's fate
"We live in a democracy,” was GPCC chief, Subhash Shirodkar’s response to a query whether the meeting organised by PWD Minister Churchill Alemao in Margao would attract disciplinary action. He said responsibility to deal with the situation lay with the high command.
Kamat however clarified, “The Congress candidate is always declared by the person in-charge of the respective AICC desk in the Delhi headquarters.”
Kamat said, Sardinha's name was declared by Oscar Fernandes two days ago in a bid to rubbish the controversy regarding the 'unconfirmed candidate' that had been created during Churchill's meet on March 31.
The chief minister also strongly refuted allegations that he (Kamat) was party to any agreement signed in favour of allotting the South Goa Congress ticket to Churchill's daughter Valanka.
He claimed that the document that was displayed by the PWD minister during the public meeting was valid only during the merger of the regional SGF party, which failed to take place.
MARGAO: A gung-ho Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat, on Thursday (April 2) exuded confidence that Congress nominee in South Goa, the sitting MP, Francisco Sardinha and, Congress-NCP combine would net both the seats from Goa in the April 23 Lok Sabha polls.
Addressing the media soon after Sardinha filed his nominations for the South Goa parliamentary seat, Kamat recalled that Sardinha had scored a 40,000-vote victory in the 2007 by-poll despite the low turnout, and that in the Pale assembly bye-poll, too, Congress' Pratap Gawas won comfortably.
“Even if the voter turnout is just 60 per cent, the party will get a 80,000-vote lead in South Goa," Kamat said.
Sardinha, who is contesting the seat for the third time said, “everyone is united and Congress will win without doubt.”
The BJP has already conceded defeat, he said pointing out to remarks attributed to BJP's national leader Sushma Sawaraj in Madhya Pradesh (MP).
Replying to questions, Sardinha claimed he released Rs 72-75 lakh for development works in the last one-and-a-half year in the constituency, including distributing computers and projectors to schools under the MPLAD scheme.
Sardinha also admitted his failure to fulfill the assurance on 'dhirios', but added that he did introduce a private member's bill in Parliament which has lapsed. "Being the property of the House it will be re-introduced when elected, in the very first session," he promised.
Other priorities listed on his agenda, Sardinha said, were a parallel Zuari bridge as well as the twin bridges across the Talpona and Galgibag rivers in Canacona taluka that would complete the “golden quadrilateral.”
Delhi to decide Churchill's fate
"We live in a democracy,” was GPCC chief, Subhash Shirodkar’s response to a query whether the meeting organised by PWD Minister Churchill Alemao in Margao would attract disciplinary action. He said responsibility to deal with the situation lay with the high command.
Kamat however clarified, “The Congress candidate is always declared by the person in-charge of the respective AICC desk in the Delhi headquarters.”
Kamat said, Sardinha's name was declared by Oscar Fernandes two days ago in a bid to rubbish the controversy regarding the 'unconfirmed candidate' that had been created during Churchill's meet on March 31.
The chief minister also strongly refuted allegations that he (Kamat) was party to any agreement signed in favour of allotting the South Goa Congress ticket to Churchill's daughter Valanka.
He claimed that the document that was displayed by the PWD minister during the public meeting was valid only during the merger of the regional SGF party, which failed to take place.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
PSI Albuquerque back on the force, but...
BY A GT REPORTER
PANJIM: The Bombay High Court at Goa on Wednesday (April 1) revoked the dismissal of Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) Nerlon Albuquerque, the officer who was expelled from the force, for allegedly sabotaging the Scarlett Keeling investigation.
The division bench however did not interfere with Albuquerque’s ‘suspension’ but granted him liberty to propose a review application to Goa Police on it.
The bench comprising of Justices P Majmudar and U Salvi in their order added, that the department could hold a fresh disciplinary enquiry against the suspended PSI Nerlon for the alleged lapses he committed while investigating the Scarlett Keeling Eden case.
The Court further ordered that the fresh inquiry, should however be concluded within a period of five months, that is, by August 31. Moreover, the court ruled that Albuquerque could avail of his benefits within the enquiry period.
Interestingly, the Advocate General Subodh Kantak had earlier told the Court that the government would withdraw the dismissal order issued by the former Inspector General of Police Kishan Kumar against PSI Albuquerque, last year.
It may be recalled, that the Goa Police had ordered a departmental inquiry, before dismissing the officer, after he was accused of allegedly botching up the investigations into the British teenager’s death.
The deceased’s mother, Fiona Mackeown had subsequently raised questions about the initial inquiry conducted by the Anjuna police, after which PI Braz Menezes replaced Nerlon.
The case was later transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in June.
Albuquerque had challenged his dismissal in the High Court, arguing that he was deprived of the opportunity to defend himself and that his dismissal was a result of media pressure and interference by certain politicians.
PANJIM: The Bombay High Court at Goa on Wednesday (April 1) revoked the dismissal of Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) Nerlon Albuquerque, the officer who was expelled from the force, for allegedly sabotaging the Scarlett Keeling investigation.
The division bench however did not interfere with Albuquerque’s ‘suspension’ but granted him liberty to propose a review application to Goa Police on it.
The bench comprising of Justices P Majmudar and U Salvi in their order added, that the department could hold a fresh disciplinary enquiry against the suspended PSI Nerlon for the alleged lapses he committed while investigating the Scarlett Keeling Eden case.
The Court further ordered that the fresh inquiry, should however be concluded within a period of five months, that is, by August 31. Moreover, the court ruled that Albuquerque could avail of his benefits within the enquiry period.
Interestingly, the Advocate General Subodh Kantak had earlier told the Court that the government would withdraw the dismissal order issued by the former Inspector General of Police Kishan Kumar against PSI Albuquerque, last year.
It may be recalled, that the Goa Police had ordered a departmental inquiry, before dismissing the officer, after he was accused of allegedly botching up the investigations into the British teenager’s death.
The deceased’s mother, Fiona Mackeown had subsequently raised questions about the initial inquiry conducted by the Anjuna police, after which PI Braz Menezes replaced Nerlon.
The case was later transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in June.
Albuquerque had challenged his dismissal in the High Court, arguing that he was deprived of the opportunity to defend himself and that his dismissal was a result of media pressure and interference by certain politicians.
Mickky-Joaquim clash at Cong HQ
BY A GT REPORTER
PANJIM: Hardly had the dust settled over the Congress-NCP tug-of-war for the North Goa seat, a wordy duel broke out at the Congress headquarters here between Urban Development Minister, Joaquim Alemao and Tourism Minister Francisco (Mickky) Pacheco, at a joint meeting of the two parties to chart out the alliance’s electioneering strategy.
The meeting was called by the GPCC president Subhash Shirodkar at the Congress office on Wednesday (April 1), Panjim, to decide strategy and finalise meetings in all the assembly segments of South Goa Parliamentary constituency. Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, MP Francisco Sardinha and most of the legislators were present.
The trouble began when South Goa MP, Francisco Sardinha made a plea for support from all to ensure his re-election. This evoked an instantaneous reaction from Mickky, who recalled that some Congress ministers and MLAs had ditched him in the by-election.
Mickky also claimed he had ample evidence to prove his charge. He also brought to Sardinha’s notice that some Congress ministers were still working against him and urged him to bring them in line, making it obvious that he was referring to PWD Minister Churchill Alemao, who incidentally was not present.
This apparently annoyed Joaquim who demanded that Mickky should substantiate his charges, and that’s when Mickky shot back: “Please, I’m not talking to you. I’m talking to Sardinha and the Chief Minister,” Mickky said much to the chagrin of Joaquim who in a fit of anger abused him.
This resulted in both abusing each other in unquotable language and the scene almost came to blows even as others tried to pacify them, sources said.
Revenue Minister Jose Philip D’Souza pacified Mickky even as both of them along with Praful Hede walked out of the hall anguished over the incident.
The Chief Minister, Shirodkar and Sardinha rushed out of the room and requested them to cool down. But the NCP leaders felt they were invited for the meeting and were insulted and demanded apology from Joaquim.
As Joaquim refused to apologise for the incident, all the NCP members including Tivim MLA, Nilkant Halarnkar, former Minister Surendra Sirsat and Adv Avinash Bhosale left the venue. NCP’s state unit president, Dr Wilfred de Souza, did not attend the meeting, as he was reportedly indisposed.
In the process, the meeting of legislators from North Goa could not be held. All of the NCP members later met in a city hotel and threatened to chalk out their future strategy if the Congress failed to adhere to ‘coalition dharma.’
GPCC president Subhash Shirodkar refused to comment on the incident.
“What way is it news for the media. Friends today clash and become friends again tomorrow,” he said, adding that the meeting mainly finalised the campaigning programme in South Goa starting from April 5.
Meanwhile, Sardinha will file his nomination papers before the returning officer at Margao at 12 noon today (April 2). Former Minister Domnic Fernandes will also file nomination papers as a dummy candidate, party sources informed.
Jitendra Deshprabhu who has been chosen as NCP nominee for North Goa constituency will resign from the Congress file his nomination papers on Thursday (April 3).
PANJIM: Hardly had the dust settled over the Congress-NCP tug-of-war for the North Goa seat, a wordy duel broke out at the Congress headquarters here between Urban Development Minister, Joaquim Alemao and Tourism Minister Francisco (Mickky) Pacheco, at a joint meeting of the two parties to chart out the alliance’s electioneering strategy.
The meeting was called by the GPCC president Subhash Shirodkar at the Congress office on Wednesday (April 1), Panjim, to decide strategy and finalise meetings in all the assembly segments of South Goa Parliamentary constituency. Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, MP Francisco Sardinha and most of the legislators were present.
The trouble began when South Goa MP, Francisco Sardinha made a plea for support from all to ensure his re-election. This evoked an instantaneous reaction from Mickky, who recalled that some Congress ministers and MLAs had ditched him in the by-election.
Mickky also claimed he had ample evidence to prove his charge. He also brought to Sardinha’s notice that some Congress ministers were still working against him and urged him to bring them in line, making it obvious that he was referring to PWD Minister Churchill Alemao, who incidentally was not present.
This apparently annoyed Joaquim who demanded that Mickky should substantiate his charges, and that’s when Mickky shot back: “Please, I’m not talking to you. I’m talking to Sardinha and the Chief Minister,” Mickky said much to the chagrin of Joaquim who in a fit of anger abused him.
This resulted in both abusing each other in unquotable language and the scene almost came to blows even as others tried to pacify them, sources said.
Revenue Minister Jose Philip D’Souza pacified Mickky even as both of them along with Praful Hede walked out of the hall anguished over the incident.
The Chief Minister, Shirodkar and Sardinha rushed out of the room and requested them to cool down. But the NCP leaders felt they were invited for the meeting and were insulted and demanded apology from Joaquim.
As Joaquim refused to apologise for the incident, all the NCP members including Tivim MLA, Nilkant Halarnkar, former Minister Surendra Sirsat and Adv Avinash Bhosale left the venue. NCP’s state unit president, Dr Wilfred de Souza, did not attend the meeting, as he was reportedly indisposed.
In the process, the meeting of legislators from North Goa could not be held. All of the NCP members later met in a city hotel and threatened to chalk out their future strategy if the Congress failed to adhere to ‘coalition dharma.’
GPCC president Subhash Shirodkar refused to comment on the incident.
“What way is it news for the media. Friends today clash and become friends again tomorrow,” he said, adding that the meeting mainly finalised the campaigning programme in South Goa starting from April 5.
Meanwhile, Sardinha will file his nomination papers before the returning officer at Margao at 12 noon today (April 2). Former Minister Domnic Fernandes will also file nomination papers as a dummy candidate, party sources informed.
Jitendra Deshprabhu who has been chosen as NCP nominee for North Goa constituency will resign from the Congress file his nomination papers on Thursday (April 3).
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