Panaji, June 13: Congress leader Girish Chodankar has strongly criticized TCP and Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane, accusing him of using his portfolios to sell and destroy Goa’s land. Chodankar raised objections to section 17(2) of the TCP Act, claiming that it allows the government to change land zones at will.
Chodankar argued that the proposed amendments are not in the best interest of Goa, but rather serve Rane’s personal agenda. He called on the government to scrap the amendments unless there is a hidden motive behind them.
The Congress leader highlighted that section 17(2) enables the conversion of even small parcels of land to settlement areas, raising concerns about potential corruption and scams. Chodankar also criticized the lack of transparency in the conversion process and the exclusion of local governing bodies from decision-making.
He further raised suspicions about possible conflicts of interest involving Rane, who holds both the TCP and forest portfolios. Chodankar alleged that the land conversions are aimed at benefiting the minister’s associates and generating substantial profits.
Chodankar urged Goans to rise up and voice their opposition to section 17(2) before the government irreversibly damages the beauty of Goa. He expressed concerns about the future of the state if the unchecked land conversions continue.
