PANAJI
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has stepped up its grassroots campaign across Goa, holding a series of local meetings to explain the six guarantees announced by national convenor Arvind Kejriwal ahead of the next Assembly elections.
Under the banner of ‘AAP Ki Chai’ meetings, local party leaders have been interacting with residents across the State. Party leaders claimed that women were attending the gatherings in large numbers, with many expressing support for the promise of unconditional monthly assistance of Rs 3,000 for every woman.
AAP Goa president Valmiki Naik said inflation and the rising cost of living were among the main concerns raised during the meetings. He also claimed that women were dissatisfied with the implementation of the Griha Aadhar scheme, alleging that only a small number of beneficiaries were receiving payments. “There is growing anger against the BJP government and Chief Minister Pramod Sawant. Women feel they have to overcome several hurdles to access benefits promised under existing schemes,” Naik said.
AAP Women’s Wing president Mamata Maben said women in Mormugao had raised concerns over the implementation of schemes such as Griha Aadhar and the Ujjwala Yojana, alleging that many eligible households were not receiving the benefits.
AAP vice-president Sunil Signapurkar said women in Pernem had expressed confidence in the party’s ability to deliver on its guarantees in Goa, citing its governance models in Delhi and Punjab.
In Ponda, AAP Assembly constituency president Geetesh Naik said rising medical expenses and delays in welfare benefits were among the concerns raised by women.
AAP leader Mahesh Satelkar said residents in Aldona were facing difficulties in meeting household expenses amid rising utility costs.
AAP vice-president Roque Mascarenhas said women in Curtorim had highlighted delays in Ujjwala Yojana payments and other welfare benefits, adding to the financial burden on families. The party said the outreach programme would continue across the State in the coming weeks.
