Real Estate Firm Withdraws Objectionable Advert After Public Outrage
The House of Abhinandan Lodha Group has withdrawn its advert that hurt Goans' sentiments, but not before sparking a heated debate on the state's real estate policies.
Real EstateGoaAdvertisementControversyBjpReal Estate NewsSep 13, 2024
The firm's chief executive officer, Samujjwal Ghosh, sent a reply to the state government on Friday stating that the advertisement was withdrawn on July 31. The firm claimed that it instructed the 360 realtors to remove the advertisement from their websites soon after it was noticed that it hurt Goans.
'We sincerely apologise for the hurt caused to the sentiments of the people of Goa. We deeply respect the culture and heritage of Goa and we are extremely grateful for the support and hospitality extended to us by the people of Goa,' Ghosh said in the letter sent to the government.
The government had directed the real estate firm to immediately withdraw the advertisement, which was issued in May. The Department of Home had written a letter to the manager of the real estate firm, stating that the caption used in the advertisement was 'highly objectionable' and 'obnoxious' and had hurt the sentiments of Goans.
The controversy surrounding the advertisement has sparked a heated debate on the state's real estate policies. Residents of Mulgao in Bicholim had demanded that the conversion sanad issued by the North Goa Collector and provisional NOC issued by the town and country planning department and the village panchayat of Karapur-Sarvan to the real estate firm be suspended and revoked.
The villagers had pointed out that the real estate company received provisional approval to subdivide the land into 1,388 plots, each ranging from 116 to 170 square metres. According to them, each plot was supposed to be sold for more than Rs 95 lakh, which indicated clear misuse of the provisions.
Meanwhile, Goa Forward Party (GFP) president and Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai has said that the audacity of a builder to come up with an advertisement asking people across the country to 'conquer' Goa is more than being highly offensive and an affront to Goemkars.
He said it is a direct consequence of BJP's continuing policy of shaping Goa to fit outsiders' needs and desires ignoring locals. 'Why is the government always giving out the impression that Goa is conquerable?' questioned Sardesai.
He said that the BJP must stop giving out the impression through their words and deeds that Goans are weak pushovers. 'Goa CM Pramod Sawant extending an invite to people from Maharashtra and Karnataka for Ayushman Bharat Scheme is in the spirit of Goemkarponn, but he must vigorously uphold the interests of Goans, which is his fundamental and primary duty,' said Sardesai.
The House of Abhinandan Lodha Group is a real estate firm that has been operating in Goa for several years. The firm has developed several residential and commercial projects in the state.
The Department of Home is a government department responsible for maintaining law and order in the state. The department is headed by the Secretary (Home) and is responsible for issuing various permissions and licenses to individuals and organizations.
The North Goa Collector is a government official responsible for collecting revenue and maintaining law and order in North Goa. The Collector is also responsible for issuing various permissions and licenses to individuals and organizations.
The town and country planning department is a government department responsible for planning and developing infrastructure in the state. The department is responsible for issuing various permissions and licenses to individuals and organizations.
The village panchayat of Karapur-Sarvan is a local government body responsible for maintaining law and order in the village. The panchayat is also responsible for issuing various permissions and licenses to individuals and organizations.
The Goa Forward Party (GFP) is a political party that operates in Goa. The party is headed by Vijai Sardesai and has been critical of the BJP government's policies in the state.
The BJP is a political party that operates in Goa. The party is headed by CM Pramod Sawant and has been accused of ignoring the interests of locals in the state.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What was the objectionable advertisement about?
The advertisement was captioned 'Delhi Rulers of India, Now Conquer Goa' and was published on websites of 360 realtors.
Who withdrew the advertisement?
The House of Abhinandan Lodha Group, a real estate firm, withdrew the advertisement after public outrage.
What was the government's response to the advertisement?
The government directed the real estate firm to immediately withdraw the advertisement and warned of action if it failed to comply.
What is the controversy surrounding the advertisement?
The controversy surrounds the state's real estate policies and the alleged misuse of provisions by the real estate company.
Who has been critical of the BJP government's policies in the state?
The Goa Forward Party (GFP) has been critical of the BJP government's policies in the state.
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