MARGAO
He also spoke on the need for a Goa-based party which will understand the needs of Goa and Goans and protect their interests. The next one month will be a crucial period in Goa s politics, he added.When the media sought his comments on accusations made by certain Congress leaders blaming him for the revolt by the Youth Turks in the party, Vijai shot back “When I was young, we heard Ms Indira Gandhi attributing a foreign hand plaguing her government. She had to finally stop when it became a big joke. Now, I am surprised that Congress leaders in Goa blame me for whatever happens in the party.”Saying that he has nothing to do with the affairs of the Congress party, Vijai said the party leadership should realise that Goa will be taken forward by the youth of the state in the 2017 Assembly elections. “This is a clear-cut reality that is emerging and which every political party needs to face. If any of the parties ignore this emerging trend, it is at their own peril,” he said.He recalled how his model of inducting new blood in the Margao Municipal Council poll had paid rich dividends. “People of Fatorda gave us a clear-cut mandate to rule the civic body. Today, I am ready to get my councillors to quit office if any one dare point an accusing finger of corruption at any one of them,” he said.Vijai reiterated that the Congress cannot blame others and ignore the reality. “If the Congress leadership tries to push the reality under the carpet, it is bound to come out. The youth who called for more representation are being hounded by the Congress, but they are silent on a similar demand made by MLAs Digambar Kamat and Reginaldo Lourenco,” he said, while asserting that people of Goa will not accept old people in a new year.
