In the midst of escalating public demonstrations demanding the repeal of Section 39(A) of the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Act, TCP Minister Vishwajit Rane declined to address reporters’ questions during a brief interaction outside the Chief Minister’s residence. The refusal highlights the growing tension between state officials and protesters over land zoning laws.
When pressed by mediapersons on the controversy surrounding the contentious provision and related agitations—including an indefinite hunger strike by St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar—Minister Rane reportedly responded, “Go home and sleep peacefully” (in Konkani: “Sushegaat vochon nheeda re”), before concluding the exchange. The blunt remark has quickly sparked further debate across social and political circles in the state.
The remark comes amid widespread protests, including large gatherings outside Minister Rane’s residences in Dona Paula, where thousands of citizens, opposition leaders, and civil society groups have voiced opposition to Section 39(A). Critics continue to cite significant concerns over its long-term implications for land zoning and development regulations.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant recently met with MLA Borkar to urge an end to the hunger strike, but the latter reiterated that the agitation would continue until the section is scrapped and accountability is ensured for alleged police misconduct during earlier protests. The developments have intensified political scrutiny on the government’s handling of TCP-related issues, with calls growing for legislative action in the ongoing Assembly session.
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