Dona Paula: Governor P S Sreedharan Pillai on Monday said that it is a sorry state of affairs that the political parties were spreading wrong information to pose opposition for the new building of Raj Bhavan for Goa.
The Governor was addressing the function to mark 35th Goa Statehood Day. He was referring to the opposition for the new Raj Bhavan project in the coastal state.
Pillai quoted India’s first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru to drive his point. “Regarding Raj Bhavan, I don’t want to take name of any political party,” he said.
The Governor recalled that in the year 1952, mediapersons asked Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru that in India about 59 per cent of the people are illiterate, then how our democracy will succeed.
“The answer given by Pandit Nehru was that politicians have to educate the masses.,” he said.
Pillai said that politicians should “study and enlighten the public, teach the public.” “I am sorry to say that in case of Raj Bhavan issue, the basic information is lacked for certain political leaders in Goa,” he commented
“I am very sorry to say that. In Goa, there is a proposal (for new Raj Bhavan building) and funding also is coming from the centre,” he added.
The Governor said that Mizoram has constructed the Raj Bhavan but for that they have spent money from the central planning board.
He said that a similar proposal is in Goa and the President of India is “very much interested” (in construction of Raj Bhavan). “He has asked me to proceed in that direction,” he added.
Referring to the statements that the existing Raj Bhavan building would be demolished or altered, the Governor said that the building (which is currently housing Raj Bhavan) is a national monument and no one can touch it.
“Making a statement that we are going to destroy it , I am sorry, I am praying to God to give proper information or advice to the people,” he said.
The Governor said that this kind of propaganda is “not good for democracy.” “I am not finding fault (trying to find a fault) with any political party or leader, We are expected to give proper information to the people,” he added.
