THE GOAN NETWORK
PANAJI
The Congress on Wednesday demanded an apology from Deputy Chief Minister Viaji Sardesai over his "we will weaponise the youth to protect Goa," statement.
Speaking at the party headquarters, Apsara Reddy, the national general secretary of the All India Mahila Congress, said that discourse of political parties in the state was condemnable, and that Vijai's statement in particular was "absolutely against the policy of Goa."
"Goa is about togetherness and love, and is celebrated for its peace loving and welcoming culture. When a Goan leader makes a statement like that ... it brings in fear," said Reddy, asking what exactly Vijai meant by his remark.
Meanwhile Congress spokesperson, Trajano D'Mello said that the statement exposed the frustration of the government. "Who will control the arms given to the youth?" questioned D'Mello adding that Vijai's greed was not paralleled by his frustration.
Alleging that Vijai deliberately wanted to create a law and order problem in the state, so that while people were busy trying to bring the situation under control, Goa would become a concrete jungle, D'Mello said, "It's just a diversion tactic."
Vijai had on Tuesday justified aggression as a means to the end, saying, "We are willing to go anywhere to protect the interests of Goans. And this has to happen. And if our government has made a mistake, then ... we will weaponise the youth to see that Goemkarponn is protected.”
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Will stand by court verdict on Babush's alleged rape case: Cong
PANAJI
The Congress on Wednesday said "we should wait for the law to take its course" in the court case pending against Congress bypoll candidate Atanasio Monserrate, and that "we should then stand by it."
When asked about the pending court case under the Protection of Children against Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act against Babush, Apsara Reddy, the national general secretary of the All India Mahila Congress, said that when political candidates become popular, a lot of cases are foisted on them.
"I'm not saying he (Monserrate) is innocent or guilty. Wait till the law takes its course. It's very wrong to paint a person based on conjecture, rumours and reports," said Reddy.
Adding that the Mahila Congress stood behind Babush for the Panjim campaigning, she said, "He believes in putting women in leadership roles. Even his wife is an MLA. I'm 100% sure that Babush will push for women's reservation."
In a press statement released, the Congress has promised to take a stand on crimes against children especially sexual violence. "Congress promises to take a serious view of such crimes. The number of POCSO courts will be increased, trials will be put on the fast track, and the guilty punished," reads the press statement.
