PANAJI
With INDIA bloc adopting a strategy to focus on local issues, the Congress on Sunday released a 21-point manifesto mainly promising that their two MPs with steadfastly pursue the Mhadei issue, protect Goa's environment, give jobs for youth and ensure political quota for STs.
Both the Congress candidates -- Ramakant Khalap and Viriato Fernandes -- were present at the Congress headquarters when GPCC chief Amit Patkar, Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao and MLAs Elton DiCosta and Carlos Alvares-Ferreira jointly released the manifesto.
In scathing remarks against the State and Central BJP governments, Patkar said, corruption, the drug trade and prostitution are increasing in Goa and there is fear among people that Goa's very identity will be lost.
"When they win, both our MPs will raise these issues consistently in the Lok Sabha and with the Centre to get them resolved," he said.
Patkar said it is crucial to protect the environment, forest, wildlife and Mhadei river in which the BJP governments have failed.
"They have also miserably failed in creating jobs. Highways built are being tom-tommed to divert public attention from these issues affecting the common man," Patkar said, adding that facilitating coal transportation to help crony-capitalists was the real motto in executing the big-ticket highway projects and not in the interest of the State's people.
Patkar also said that canceling the three controversial linear projects in South Goa and curbing coal transport will be top priority for the Congress MPs.
Revive tourism
As Goa's economy depends much on the tourism sector, the Congress said it is necessary to revive the industry even as traditional Goan occupations like fishing needed to be protected.
Dual citizenship
It is very important to give the right of dual citizenship to Goans who opt for Portuguese nationality in pursuit of livelihoods abroad, the Congress said, adding that the MPs will raise these and the issue of political reservation for Scheduled Tribes (ST) to get them resolved.
Meanwhile, Opposition leader Yuri Alemao said that the BJP and its crony-capitalists are trying to destroy Goa and urged everyone to come together to protect Goa's environment and heritage.
"Protecting Goa's environment is non-negotiable," he said, adding that the Congress will continue to relentlessly fight against coal transportation in Goa.
