Panaji, June 26: The Ad hoc Committee of the Gomantak Bhandari Samaj has strongly condemned the alleged rude and unacceptable behaviour of the Goa Chief Secretary towards St. Andre MLA Viresh Borkar during a meeting at the Secretariat in Porvorim.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Samaj alleged that Borkar had visited the Secretariat to submit a memorandum objecting to the proposed urbanisation of villages in the St. Andre constituency, a matter it described as being of significant public concern.

According to the organisation, the Chief Secretary refused to allow a photograph while accepting the memorandum and allegedly directed security personnel to escort the MLA out of his office. It further claimed that elected representatives accompanying Borkar were not permitted to record the incident.

The Gomantak Bhandari Samaj described the alleged conduct as “highly regrettable” and said it set a dangerous precedent. The committee stated that elected representatives deserve respect as they represent the people and noted that even the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister permit photographs while receiving memorandums from public representatives.

The organisation urged Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant to issue clear directions to all government officials to treat elected representatives with dignity and courtesy. It also demanded that the Chief Secretary issue a formal apology to MLA Viresh Borkar over the incident.

Reaffirming its support, the Gomantak Bhandari Samaj said it stands firmly with Viresh Borkar and all elected representatives working to safeguard the rights and interests of Goans, particularly members of the OBC Bhandari community.