Takes on local MLA Carlos Ferreira in his own backyard
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant addressing a gathering during the campaign meeting in Aldona on Sunday. BJP North Goa candidate, Shripad Naik, ex-MLA Glenn Ticlo and other leaders were also present.
MAPUSA
In a spirited campaign rally held in Aldona, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant fervently championed the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) commitment to inclusive development while sharply criticizing the opposition Congress for allegedly sowing seeds of division among communities.
Sawant reiterated the BJP's mantra of 'sab ka sath, sabka visvas', accusing the Congress of promoting division with 'sab ka sath, lekin sabka division'.
"The BJP worked for the development of all sections of society, while the opposition, Congress, believed only in dividing people on the basis of caste and religion," remarked Sawant, energizing the crowd with his impassioned rhetoric.
"They (Congress) identify people as Hindu, Muslim, Catholic and then instigate a fight among them. Such instigation of fights among people is happening in a big way in Aldona," he said, accusing the Congress of exploiting religious and caste identities for electoral gains.
The Chief Minister's remarks carried a pointed reference to the local Congress MLA, noted for his legal background.
"Everyone is aware who benefitted after putting one person against the other," Sawant remarked, eliciting murmurs of agreement from the audience.
His insinuation resonated with the crowd, particularly when he questioned, "When such fights take place then whose stomach gets full?"
The crowd responded emphatically, "advocates," in an apparent reference to the legal profession, symbolizing their understanding of the political dynamics at play.
Furthermore, Sawant cautioned against complacency, warning of potential consequences if internal disputes were not resolved.
"Remember, in the next three years if you don’t stay united and if you don’t solve your problems then you will be in trouble," he cautioned.
Meanwhile, BJP's North Goa Lok Sabha candidate Shripad Naik seized the opportunity to launch a scathing attack on Congress candidate Ramakant Khalap. Naik accused Khalap of negligence, alleging his role in the collapse of Mapusa Urban Cooperative Bank, which reportedly led to financial losses for many depositors.
Former MLA Glenn Ticlo, among other prominent figures, was present at the rally, adding weight to the BJP's campaign efforts in Aldona constituency.
