Daijiworld Media Network - Mapusa

Mapusa, May 12: In a powerful expression of community dissatisfaction, villagers in Pirna have unanimously resolved to boycott Tivim MLA Nilkanth Halarnkar from all local events and functions unless he begins actively addressing their grievances and participates in gram sabha meetings.

The resolution was passed during a recent gram sabha, where residents voiced frustration over the MLA’s repeated absence and unresponsiveness to pressing village concerns.

Tensions escalated further as villagers rejected proposals for the construction of 15-meter and 25-meter-wide roads through Pirna. Locals argued that the road expansions would disproportionately benefit outside investors while disrupting the fabric of their community. An eight-member committee was formed to negotiate an alternative bypass plan directly with the MLA, should he agree to engage.

Another major issue dominating the discussion was a High Court order requiring the demolition of illegal roadside structures. Over 100 businesses in Pirna have received show-cause notices, raising fears of mass livelihood loss. Residents criticized the government for failing to protect small local enterprises.

Manoj Parab, President of the Revolutionary Goans Party, questioned the panchayat’s stance and accused the BJP-led government of prioritizing non-local interests—particularly those of Delhi-based investors allegedly acquiring land in the area—over local welfare.

Pirna Sarpanch Sandeep Tanavade responded by noting that no official instructions had yet been received on protecting local businesses. He urged attendees to keep politics out of the gram sabha, reminding them that the forum was meant for village welfare, not party promotion.

To protect local land interests, the gram sabha also passed a resolution prohibiting land conversions for private plots exceeding 1,000 square meters. This move aims to deter large-scale real estate encroachments.

Despite five written appeals to MLA Halarnkar requesting his attendance at the gram sabha, the panchayat reported that he has failed to respond.

The villagers' stand signals a growing disconnect between grassroots communities and elected representatives, with demands for accountability and action growing louder in the run-up to monsoon and potential policy shifts.