PANAJI
The Aam Aadmi Party on Wednesday announced noted lawyer andsocial worker Advocate Amit Palyekar from the Bhandari Samaj as its chiefministerial candidate
The announcement was made by AAP national convener and DelhiCM Arvind Kejriwal at a press conference.
Kejriwal said, "The AAP is pleased to announce AmitPalekar as the CM face of AAP. Palyekar is a person whose heart beats for Goa,the one who will bring people from all facets together, and an individual whohas done much for society."
"He is a man who sacrificed his life to protect the OldGoa heritage site.Amit Palekar represents a fresh new face and we couldn't geta better CM than him in today's time. Together we will build the future ofGoa," he added.
Kejriwal said Palyekar, who is a fighter, has unearthednumerous scams and he the new hope for Goa. "He dedicated his life duringthe pandemic. It was Palekar who brought the oxygen fiasco before the HC, afterwhich the issue was finally resolved," he said.
After his name was announced, Palyekar got emotional. Theadvocate's mother, wife and his family were also present at the pressconference.
Speaking on the occasion Palyekar said, "From being astudent who despite being a topper wasn't able to get a job due to rampantcorruption in Goa to being the CM face of AAP who exposed the 'job scam', Ihave come far. If my father was still alive today, he would be veryproud."
He said the party-hopping politics needs to end and Goaneeds a change. If AAP wins, I will bring back Goa's glory that has been lostin the past 20 years, he added.
He said AAP has chosen a common man as its CM candidate."Furthermore, many ordinary people have been given party tickets. AAP isthe party of the common man, and we are ready to build a new Goa," hestated.
Jyoti Palyekar, the advocate's mother and two-term sarpanchof Merces, said, "It is an important day for us today. Despite the factthat AAP has announced its CM face from the Bhandari Samaj, I promise thatPalekar will serve all Goans and work for the State's development."
Palyekar's wife, Rasika, who is also a lawyer, said,"The common person can only dream of a position like this, but AAP hasprovided wings to the vision of Amit. Amit is a beacon of hope to all Goans."
She added, "I don't say this because he is my husband,but I say this because I have seen him for 22 years work with conviction andhonesty. He even missed some of his daughter's most important days just toreach out to people."
