PANAJI
The Congress on Tuesday launched its 27-day-long ‘Goy Rakhan Yatra’ with a stated focus on exposing what it termed the “misrule” of the BJP-led government, even as the opening march caused major traffic disruption, leaving commuters stuck in slow-moving traffic for extended periods.
The yatra, which will traverse all 40 Assembly constituencies from September 22 to October 18, began at Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Park in Panaji and culminated at Azad Maidan. Hundreds of Congress workers and leaders participated in the opening-day march, which was led by Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao.
The movement of the large gathering resulted in traffic blockages, particularly from the bus stand towards Merces junction and on the Panaji side. Commuters were caught in the congestion, with traffic moving at a snail’s pace along the affected stretches.
The Congress’ official campaign schedule describes the 27-day programme as a campaign "aimed at protecting Goa’s future". The party plans to take the yatra across all 40 constituencies, with leaders and workers interacting with residents and raising issues concerning the State.
Alemao said the yatra was aimed at bringing people together around issues concerning Goa’s land, identity and communal harmony. He said Congress leaders would travel across the State, meet residents and listen to their concerns as part of the campaign.
The formal flag-off of the yatra is scheduled to take place at Cumbharjua on September 23, with AICC general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal expected to inaugurate the statewide campaign.
The Congress has also lined up senior national leaders for the campaign. Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to attend the concluding programme on October 18, while invitations have also been extended to Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi and party leader Priyanka Gandhi.
Protecting Goa or BJP? Elvis questions Congress yatra
MARGAO: Congress leader and former bureaucrat Elvis Gomes on Tuesday questioned the objective of the Goy Rakhon Yatra launched by the Congress party, asking whether it was aimed at protecting Goa or the ruling BJP.
Gomes made the remarks while highlighting the plight of motorists travelling along NH66 through Cuncolim market, where the PWD has constructed an elevated drainage system that he said poses a risk of accidents.
“What is this Goy Rakhon Yatra. We are presently concerned about the lives of motorists passing through Cuncolim market. If these people cannot protect the lives of motorists, whose rakhon are they trying to do,” he questioned, adding, “Are these people trying to protect the BJP?”
