PANAJI: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday declared that it would go ahead with the December 13 birthday celebrations planned for Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar. The party brushed aside the allegations leveled by All India Congress Committee general secretary Girish Chodankar and Goa Pradesh Congress Committee spokesperson Sunil Kawthankar as ‘baseless’ and ‘aimed at gaining cheap publicity’,
Addressing the media, Sanquelim BJP MLA Dr Pramod Sawant stated, “Congress is anxious because Parrikar support base in Goa continues to be strong. Its leaders are frustrated and hence are attempting to create hurdles.”
It was held that the birthday is being celebrated by the public of Goa to felicitate the former CM for his clean image and contributions dating back to 1991. “He has not asked for it. But people want to show gratitude,” Sawant stated.
BJP also sought to point out that, whether or not it is in power, it has never shied away from offering a helping hand in case of a natural disaster at State or central level.
Reacting to Congress’ questioning of Parrikar’s contribution towards Goa, Sawant said that Kawthankar and Chodankar need to introspect. “Instead of asking what Parrikar’s contribution towards Goa is, Congress should enlist the contribution of its former Chief Ministers towards Goa’s society,” he stated referring to schemes launched during Parrikar’s tenure such as Kamdhenu Dayanand Social Security Scheme, Ghriha Adhar, cyberage, interest free yojna, truck package, Laadli Laxmi, which he said continue to directly benefit Goan households.
“All Goans give the credit for these schemes to Parrikar. I dare the two Congressmen to probe into their party history and come up with at least one scheme over the 20 to 30 years of Congress rule which has benefitted Goans as these schemes,” Sawant stated adding that Parrikar’s elevation to the office of Union Defence minister is a matter of pride for Goa.
He said, “It is for the first time that a small state like Goa has produced a union minister within the core cabinet. It is a matter of pride for Goa.”
BJP denied the allegations that Rs 20 crore would be spent on the bash from government coiffeurs. “We have never felt the need to use government machinery to collect funds, not even for advertisements.”
Sawant also rubbished claims made by the Congress that Section 144 would be imposed during the event.
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IN PRAISE OF
FORMER CM
* The ruling party has brought to fore the innumerable schemes launched when Parrikar was Chief Minister of Goa
* It dared the Congress to come up with at least one scheme over the 20 to 30 years of its rule which has benefitted the Goans
* Parrikar’s elevation to the office of Union Defence minister is a matter of pride for Goa, says the BJP
