Constructing malls is not the role of the government : Amit Palekar

Goa Khabar : The struggle of the ST community against the proposed Unity Mall project in Chimbel is intensifying with each passing day. A call for a large-scale protest has been given on 4 January.

The Aam Aadmi Party, along with opposition parties across the spectrum, has extended active support to this movement. AAP MLA Cruz Silva and senior leader Amit Palekar visited the protest site ahead of the year-end and formally expressed the party’s solidarity with the agitators. On this occasion, AAP Youth Wing leader Rohan Naik, Minority Wing Vice President Sarfaraz Sheikh and party workers were also present.

Speaking at the site, MLA Cruz Silva stated that the government appears to be prioritising the interests of wealthy and influential groups over those of ordinary Goans. He pointed out that the proposed project poses a threat to Chimbel’s environment and amounts to a betrayal of public trust. Despite widespread opposition to the Unity Mall from all sections of society, the BJP government’s insistence on pushing the project forward raises serious questions. Emphasising that AAP’s foremost priority is the people of Goa, he affirmed that the party stands firmly with the residents of Chimbel. He also appealed to citizens to unite in order to challenge and dismantle the growing unilateralism, coercion, and pressure tactics being adopted by the government.

Senior AAP leader Amit Palekar reiterated that the Aam Aadmi Party stands shoulder to shoulder with the people of Chimbel and is actively participating in this people’s movement. He alleged that the BJP government is attempting to suppress public opposition through pressure tactics, particularly around the Chimbel lake area, even in the absence of required permissions and court orders. He further stated that since the local panchayat is under BJP control, efforts are being made to prepare favourable paperwork to undermine the people’s agitation.

Palekar informed that a large public meeting will be held in Chimbel on 4 January as part of the ongoing protest. He appealed not only to the residents of Chimbel but to all Goans to participate, stressing that this struggle is about protecting Goa’s environment and natural beauty. He categorically stated that constructing malls is not the government’s responsibility and warned that AAP will not step back from opposing what he termed as the BJP government’s misuse of power and authority.

Considering the growing resistance to the Unity Mall project, political observers believe that the government may eventually be forced to withdraw from the proposed plan, as continued discontent among the ST community could have significant political consequences in Goa.