Panaji, April 16: Several Congress leaders were detained by Police and Media Cell Chairman Amarnath Panajikar was held under house arrest ahead of Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s meeting.
GPCC President Amit Patkar said that they were only trying to show black flags protesting against the deal done by BJP to win in Karnataka, however they were targeted. “Government machinery was used against us. We were detained at many places and even women leaders were taken to Collem police station. This was harassment,” Patkar said.
He said that they only wanted to know clarification from Amit Shah and BJP leaders over Mhadei issue, Shah during a rally in Karnataka’s Belagavi had said: that BJP at the Centre has resolved the long dispute between Goa and Karnataka over Mhadei and allowed the diversion of Mhadei to Karnataka to satisfy the thirst of farmers of many districts.
“We wanted to know whether they have sold our Mhadei to Karnataka, depriving us of our lifeline,” he said.
Amarnath Panjikar said that Congress leaders were only trying to protest demanding clarification from BJP leaders over Mhadei issue. “The act of Goa government and police have confirmed that BJP has murdered the democracy and also freedom of speech,” Panjikar said.
Heclaimed that he has been held house arrest at his sisters place, while State President Amit Patkar and other leaders are detained by police ahead of Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s meeting in Ponda, South Goa.
“Police were following me since morning. I was held house arrest at my sister’s place in Old Goa, after I visited her place. I was not allowed to move out. Police have held me in house arrest,” he said.
Panjikar said that Party President Amit Patkar, mahila President Beena Naik, Pradeep Naik and others were detained by police and were taken to Collem Police station.
Congress leaders detained unlawfully at Collem Police Station, before the meeting of Home Minister.
As the leaders wanted to voice out the concern about Mhadei river & it’s diversion to Karnataka before Home Minister, they were arrested at Farmagudi, Ponda; & taken at Collem Police Station.
It’s a gross violation of freedom of movement, freedom of speech & personal freedom.
“This is clear that BJP is afraid of us. I had dared Goa unit BJP president Sadanand Shet Tanavade to show guts to speak that the state government will not compromise on the Mhadei river issue in presence of Amit Shah. They have no guts, our arrest and detention by government has proved it,” he said.
In January, during a rally in Karnataka’s Belagavi, Amit Shah had said: “Today, I am here to tell you that the BJP at the Centre has resolved the long dispute between Goa and Karnataka over Mhadei and allowed the diversion of Mhadei to Karnataka to satisfy the thirst of farmers of many districts.”
He said that former state president Girish Chodankar abd others protested in Ponda demanding that Amit Shah should clarify on Mhadei issue.
Panjikar said that Congress while ruling in Goa never used such dictatorial practices and never tried suppress voice of public. “What we are demanding is that BJP leaders should clarify on Mhadei, whether they have already compromised on Mhadei or they are with people of Goa. But I feel that they have compromised our lifeline to help their party to gain votes in Karnataka,” Panjikar said.
Girish Chodankar said that the one who compromised on Mhadei, is being hailed by BJP leaders of Goa. “I condemn this act of BJP. He (Amit Shah) did deal with Karnataka for election and compromised our Mhadei. It is shame that all cabinet ministers are hailing him. They should have questioned Amit Shah over Mhadei issue. But they have failed.” Chodankar said.
Congress leader Manisha Usgaonkar also lambasted on BJP government stating it has murdered democracy. “Amit Shah want to win election over Mhadei issue and has compromised over it. BJP is trying to suppress our voice, when we are trying to raise these issues,” she said.