the goan I network
VASCO
Amid a major political turn of events with 10 Congress legislators joining the BJP and a reshuffle in ministerial berths expected on Saturday, many locals of Cortalim have demanded a ministerial berth for their MLA Alina Saldanha.
Residents feel that Saldanha should be considered for a berth, especially because she is the widow of late Matanhy Saldanha, who had successfully established BJP’s relations with the minority community, especially in South Goa.
Not considering a berth for a BJP legislator who won on the BJP ticket for a second successive time would mean injustice to BJP karyakartas in Cortalim constituency, they added.
“Since a large number of voters are women, Alina must be considered for a ministry which has not been allotted to her for a long time,” said said ZP Member Nilima Naik.
“Former CM late Manohar Parrikar was always someone who respected a woman and had a dream of women empowerment by launching women-centric schemes like Graha Adhaar, Laadli Laxmi, pension for widows, etc.”
“I appeal to BJP leaders and Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to allot Saldanha a ministry so as to do justice to women voters in Goa,” the ZP member added.
Sancoale Panch Narayan Naik said Cortalim MLA Alina Saldanha deserved to be elevated as minister before other legislators who had recently joined the BJP.
“I feel Alina should be given a ministry to respect the position of a woman in the assembly. She is absolutely honest, sincere and she has proved it in the assembly earlier as well. She truly deserves a ministry. Despite being sincere with the BJP, she should not be ignored because some Congress legislators have joined the BJP and BJP must not do injustice to her by side-lining our demands.”
“We feel that BJP legislators must be accommodated first before others are offered ministries,” he said.
Sancoale Panch Satish Padwal said it was the appeal of Cortalim constituency to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to allot a ministry to Saldanha.
“BJP Karyakartas are upset that legislators who had rallied by the party have been sidelined. Earlier she was a minister, but due to some reshuffle and other issues, things had changed.”
“Today, when we Karyakartas go to people, they question us why a leader like Saldanha has not yet been made a misister. She can do something for Goa and Cortalim also and it’s our appeal to Dr Sawant to consider her for a ministry,” said Padwal.
