Congress is the only alternative for a change of government in Goa: Sachin Pilot
Goy Rakhonn Yatra reaches Sankhali; Congress leaders launch sharp attack on BJP government
SANKHALI, OCTOBER 2: The BJP, which had raised the slogan of “Ab Ki Baar 400 Paar” during the Lok Sabha elections, was reduced to 240 seats and had to rely on its allies to form the government, said AICC General Secretary Sachin Pilot while addressing the Goy Rakhonn Yatra in Sankhali on Thurs.
“Even after having the numbers to run the government, the BJP, driven by a sense of insecurity, resorted to engineering splits in parties such as the Trinamool Congress, Shiv Sena and Nationalist Congress Party. The country has witnessed the BJP’s politics of ‘divide and rule’. The BJP speaks of a ‘double-engine government’, but when it comes to development, the engine appears to be emitting only smoke. After coming to power, attempts have been made to weaken the very foundations of Indian democracy. Therefore, for the people of Goa, Congress is the only alternative to the ruling establishment,” Pilot said.
The Congress-led Goy Rakhonn Yatra entered Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant’s Sankhali constituency on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti. Pilot led the yatra and addressed a public gathering where he raised issues ranging from alleged irregularities concerning electoral rolls to Goa’s land, environment, employment, heritage and governance.
Speaking on the issue of names in the electoral rolls, Pilot alleged that the BJP had first introduced demonetisation and was now attempting what he described as “voter demonetisation”. He alleged that questions relating to voters were being raised particularly in areas where the BJP anticipated electoral difficulties. He asserted that the Congress would continue its fight to protect the voting rights of citizens.
Pilot said that the Goy Rakhonn Yatra was not merely a political programme but an initiative to take the people’s concerns regarding Goa’s land, environment, employment, heritage, identity and governance directly to the people.
Referring to the developments surrounding the yatra in Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s own constituency on Gandhi Jayanti, Pilot appreciated the efforts of local Congress leaders and workers.
“Attempts were made to create obstacles in obtaining permission for the Goy Rakhonn Yatra, posters were torn down and people were allegedly discouraged from participating in the yatra. Such pressure only strengthens our resolve to fight for the people. It is an indication that Congress is moving in the right direction,” Pilot said.
Referring to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s electoral margin, Pilot appealed to the people of Goa, saying, “Let the change of government in Goa begin from Sankhali.”
Those present included Goa Congress in-charge Manikrao Thakare, co-in-charge Dr. Anjali Nimbalkar, Varun Chaudhary, GPCC President Girish Chodankar, Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao, MP Captain Viriato Fernandes, MLAs Alton D’Costa and Carlos Ferreira, M. K. Sheikh, Sunil Kawthankar, Amarnath Panjikar, Himanshu Tiwari, Mahila Congress President Pratiksha Khalap, Youth Congress President Archit Naik, Seva Dal Chief Organiser Rajan Ghate, along with several senior and local Congress leaders.
Among the local leaders present were Mangaldas Naik, Suryakant Gawde, Dharmesh Saglani, Pravin Blagan, Pratap Gauns, Sunita Verekar, Khemlo Sawant, Jayesh Amonkar, Gauri Gauns, Jyotsna Gauns, Rashid Khan Chaudhary and Riyaz Gani, among others.
Addressing the concluding session of the programme, GPCC President Girish Chodankar and Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao highlighted various issues confronting Goa and criticised the functioning of the BJP government.
They said that raising the voice of the people on issues concerning Goa’s land, identity, environment, employment and cultural heritage was the central objective of the Goy Rakhonn Yatra.
The programme was compered by Amarnath Panjikar. Block President Suryakant Gawde welcomed the gathering, while District President Mangaldas Naik proposed the vote of thanks.
The public meeting witnessed Congress leaders, both senior and local, raising a range of issues concerning Goa and criticising the functioning of the BJP-led government.
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