MAPUSA
Reiterating that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ is to unite India, State Congress President Amit Patkar said Calangute MLA Michael Lobo needs to read books to know the contribution of Gandhis in nation-building before giving vent to his “frustration” by making unnecessary remarks against the Gandhis.
Patkar also slammed Lobo for betraying people’s mandate by defecting to the BJP instead of resigning and re-contesting the election.
“He (Lobo) needs to read books to understand the contribution of Mahatma Gandhi, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi in nation-building. BJP needs to answer issues raised by Rahul Gandhi on unemployment, price rise and divisive politics. Lakhs of Indians are walking with Rahul Gandhi every day. This has sent jitters into the BJP camp,” Patkar said.
The Congress chief was reacting to Lobo’s statement lampooning Rahul Gandhi by comparing his ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ to a march-past on road which will not fetch votes for Congress.
Continuing, Patkar alleged that the Calangute MLA indulged in illegalities for personal gains under the guise of doing people’s work.
“The illegally converted lands which are now reverted back to its original status by the TCP department speak about Lobo’s work in the State. I want to make him understand that the BJP government in Goa robbed the people’s mandate. They have done a day-light dacoity of the votes given to Congress party by the Goans. BJP did not get votes from the 67 per cent of people,” he said.
He further said if Lobo could get votes on his own on account of his work done in the State, then why he and his wife had contested on the Congress ticket.
“Why did they not contest as Independents? Why did they not show guts to resign and re-contest the election on the BJP ticket?” he asked.
Patkar said that the Calangute MLA has not only betrayed people's mandate but has defied God.
“He (Lobo) is frustrated and has no other option but to entertain his current political mentor Chief Minister Pramod Sawant,” Patkar hit back.
