MARGAO
Former Majorda sarpanch and panch Mackelin Dourado joined the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Sunday in the presence of former Delhi Chief Minister Atishi Marlena.
Party sources said his induction would strengthen AAP’s presence in Goa.
The party said Dourado served as sarpanch of the Majorda panchayat from 1990 to 1994 and as a panch from 1994 to 1998.
Welcoming him into the party, Atishi said the joining of experienced leaders reflected the growing confidence of Goans in AAP’s policies and vision.
She said Dourado’s decision to join AAP showed that many Goan leaders were being attracted by the vision of AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal and the party’s focus on public issues.
“Goans are tired of the way the BJP has looted Goa, promoted the interests of big businesses and ignored the basic needs of people,” she said.
Atishi added that AAP’s growing presence in Goa reflected its commitment to protecting the state’s land, culture, identity and future.
She said the party had raised issues including the Karapur protests, the movement against Section 39A, the need for better healthcare and concerns over the rollout of E20 fuel.
“Goans have realised that AAP is the only party that has focused on issues that matter to Goa,” she said.
