MARGAO
Asserting that the Lotus will bloom again in Navelim in 2027, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Saturday wondered why Christians should not vote for the BJP when the government is working for all citizens, irrespective of their religious background.
Exuding confidence that the Lotus will one day bloom also in the minority strongholds of Nuvem, Benaulim and Velim, the Chief Minister made an appeal to the people of Salcete to support the government, saying his government has ushered development in all the 40 Assembly constituencies without any discrimination on the basis of caste, creed and region.
Addressing the Navelim BJP workers Melava at Davorlim on Saturday, the Chief Minister reminded that his government has spent Rs 250-300 crore on the recent St Francis Xavier exposition. “This is the first time in decades that the exposition of the relics of St Francis Xavier has been conducted in a smooth manner. Even the Church has appreciated and complimented the government for the organisation. This shows that the government does not discriminate against any religion or people”, he said.
He added: “Why Christians should not vote for the BJP in the election. We have schemes which are meant for everyone without any discrimination. In the North East, which plays host to 90 per cent Christian population, the BJP is ruling these states. Government schemes are meant for all the people without discrimination. I appeal to the people of Salcete to support the government”.
Saying his government has ushered in development in all the 40 Assembly constituencies, the Chief Minister said he has never stopped development in any of the constituencies, including Benaulim and Fatorda.
Reminding the Lotus has not bloomed in Nuvem, Benaulim and Nuvem till date, the Chief Minister exuded confidence that the BIP will win elections in these minority dominated seats one day.
Attributing the party’s success in Navelim to the party’s women power which had got Ulhas Tuemkar elected in the 2022 Assembly election, the Chief Minister said the Lotus will bloom again in Navelim in 2027.
“I can say with confidence that the BJP will retain the Navelim seat in 2027. For, the BJP had won the seat by 5200 votes in 2022. Now, the party’s membership in Navelim itself is pegged at 9000 members. We will have a smooth sailing if our member vote in favour of the party. We should not be concerned about who will contest against the party in Navelim”, he added.
The Chief Minister made a fervent plea to the party rank and file to take the government schemes to the doorsteps of the people. “The people should know the work that has been done by the BJP government in Goa and by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The double engine government has allocated Rs 30,000 crore for giving a boost to the road infrastructure in the state so far”, he said.
BJP State President Damu Naik said that there was a time when no one wanted to contest elections from Navelim, but the situation has changed now that there may be attempts to pull each one’s legs. Urging workers to work for the nation and the party, Damu said the workers should work selflessly for the nation and party by keeping behind their self interest.
Navelim MLA Ulhas Tuemkar placed before the Chief Minister some of the problems faced by the people, including jobs for the unemployed youth.
