the goan I network
PANAJI
Naik was speaking at the launch of Congress campaign for Panaji by-poll at Miramar beach in the backdrop of the grounded casino vessel, Lucky Seven. Congress sought to highlight that the grounded vessel is one of the latest examples of BJP's failures in Panaji.
"The funds granted through first installment are not sufficient. Smart City project is not needed. Panaji is too congested for this kind of a project. For cities like Panaji and Varanasi, there is very little scope for upgradation. The Smart City project as such is going to be a failure just like Sagarmala," the GPCC president declared.
He explained that the original plan was not to rejuvenate existing cities but to create new cities. "Drainage, roads, lights everything was to be included in the original concept. They have now taken a U-turn to say that existing cities will be improved. Panaji-specific plan would have to be devised for improvements in the capital. Take suggestions from public for improving the existing situations," Naik said.
Congress disclosed its plans to work within the limited scope to improve connectivity in Panaji. While the prime focus would be on roads network and telecommunications, garbage management, cleanliness and cleaning of the St Inez creek would also be prioritised, Naik revealed.
Targeting Manohar Parrikar for his failures as Goa Chief Minister and Union Defence Minister, Naik stated, "Parrikar is a failed CM in the same manner that Pakistan is a failed nation. He is the main culprit behind nationalisation of Goan rivers. I hold Parrikar responsible for the nationalisation of Goan rivers including River Mandovi because it is only with his consent that the BJP government moved the files for this."
Meanwhile, Congress Panaji candidate Girish Chodankar took potshots at Parrikar for allegedly abdicating the massive responsibility of national defence to take over as the Chief Minister of Goa.
Congress launched its Panaji bypoll campaign at the hands of GPCC president Naik in the presence of Leader of Opposition Chandrakant ‘Babu' Kavalekar, St Cruz MLA Antonio Fernandes and members of Panaji Congress block.
"The corruption and failure of the government is depicted through this sight of the grounded casino vessel at Miramar beach," Chodankar said.
LoO Kavalekar stated that the by-polls have been imposed on Goan electorate by the BJP.
"If these candidates wished, they should have contested the recent Assembly polls after duly considering their desires. But this was not done. The by-polls reflect destruction of the mandate given by Goan electorate," Kavalekar said.
Mahila members perform ‘puja' at jetty
PANAJI: Members of Mahila Congress performed ‘puja' at the Panaji ferry jetty and sought blessings of River Mandovi for the party's Panaji campaign. Mahila Congress president Pratima Coutinho paid floral tribute to River Mandovi and sought forgiveness of "Goddess Mandovi" on behalf of the ruling disposition for polluting the river. "You gave chance to the BJP and they have failed for over 25 years. I request Panaji to give one chance to Girish and we are giving our word that we will never forget you and always be grateful to you," Coutinho stated.
