Goa MLA Viresh Borkar Initiates Hunger Strike Following Forcible Removal from TCP Office
In a dramatic escalation of protests against controversial zone changes, St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar was physically dragged down the stairs and out of the Town and Country Planning (TCP) office on Saturday before launching an indefinite hunger strike. The RG legislator declared he would continue his fast until all zone changes implemented under Section 39A in his constituency are completely scrapped.
Confrontation Turns Physical as Police Evict Protesters
The situation turned volatile when police officers forcibly lifted Borkar and evicted women protesters from the TCP premises, prompting immediate demands for the suspension of the involved officers. "Police and the revenue department officer, the mamlatdar, dragged us out. The government attacked us, attacked the ST community and the Bahujan samaj," the visibly shaken MLA stated following the incident.
After being removed from the TCP office, the protest shifted to Azad Maidan where Borkar issued a clarion call for a major public gathering at 10am on Sunday. He announced that opposition parties, activists, and concerned citizens would join forces to oppose what he described as "a draconian provision" within the TCP Act.
Political Support Swells as Leaders Condemn Government Actions
The manhandling of an elected representative has galvanized political opposition across party lines. Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao, State Congress Vice President Sunil Kawthankar, and AAP MLA Venzy Viegas all joined the protesters at Azad Maidan in a powerful show of solidarity.
"The government's dadagiri and harassment are increasing. This government has destroyed Goa. The agenda is corruption and mission commission," Alemao asserted. "We are here to demand that Section 39A be scrapped. The Constitution gives us the right to protest. If this is how they treat an MLA, imagine how this government will treat the common man."
Viegas went further, demanding immediate suspension of the police inspector and a thorough inquiry into the alleged manhandling of Borkar. "I call upon all opposition MLAs and Goans to come in support of the villagers and demand the scrapping of 39A and a new regional plan," he urged.
Core Demands and Escalating Tensions
At the heart of the protest lies the demand to revoke approvals for land conversions covering over 84,000 square meters granted under Section 39A. Protesters, including elderly women who had slept inside the TCP office on Friday night, are demanding that the TCP rescind four final approvals already granted for land conversion, along with five other parcels that have received provisional approval.
Borkar emphasized his legislative responsibility, stating "Being a legislator, it is my responsibility to stand up when injustice is done to my constituency and my villagers." He warned of even larger agitations if the government fails to address their demands.
Institutional Responses and Community Mobilization
Following the confrontation, Borkar spoke directly with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who reportedly assured him that an inquiry would be conducted into the incident. Meanwhile, Goa Assembly Speaker Ganesh Gaonkar advised the MLA to move a breach of privilege motion regarding the treatment he received.
The protest has drawn support from across civil society, with Borkar's own parents joining the demonstration and appealing to Goans to gather in large numbers at Azad Maidan. Govind Shirodkar, president of the Gakuved federation, called for TCP Minister Vishwajit Rane to be dropped from government if the Sawant administration is genuinely concerned about Goa's welfare.
RG chief Manoj Parab delivered a stern warning: "For the last nine years, we have created awareness among people against these politicians who are feeding on money from the Delhi builders' lobby. Vishwajit Rane may be sleeping peacefully at his home now. But if you do not fulfil the demands while people are here, we will not hesitate to come to your house."
The incident has significantly intensified the protest movement, with residents of Siridao-Palem village vowing to continue their agitation until their demands are met. As political tensions rise and community mobilization grows, all eyes remain on how the government will respond to this escalating crisis over land use policies in Goa.
