the goan I network
MARGAO
Deputy Chief Minister Vijai Sardesai and his Goa Forward leaders finally shared the dais of BJP South Goa candidate under the NDA banner at the Lohia Maidan here on Saturday, with the Goa Forward chief making an appeal to Saxttikars to vote and re-elect sitting BJP MP Narendra Sawaikar, while at the same time declaring that he will not stay in the coalition government if there is any deviation in the agenda set by former Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar and any discrimination of any community on the basis of caste and creed.
Flags of the BJP and Goa Forward flew high at the Lohia Maidan, even as many a Goa Forward party member were seen around at the Lohia Maidan. The turnout for the meeting, however, was below expectations.
While calling for inclusive growth and take steps to ensure there’s no discrimination of any community on caste and creed, he made a forceful demand before the sitting MP to stop coal handling and to ensure coal is handled in a close manner; construction of Western bypass on stilts and special laws to protect the sons of the soil.
Addressing the NDA meeting in support of BJP candidate Narendra Sawaikar in the presence of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and BJP President Vinay Tendulkar at the Lohia Maidan on Saturday evening, Sardesai showered praises on the sitting MP for the work undertaken by him during the last five years, including opening of the passport office in Margao.
“I have no reason to doubt the sincerity of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant that he will negate the road map set by former Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar,” Sardesai said.
The Deputy Chief Minister slammed the Congress for raising the issues of special status when successive governments had failed to realise the demand, even as he told the sitting MP to find out whether special laws to protect Goa and its people can be enacted. On coal pollution, Sardesai said nowhere in the world is coal handled openly as in Goa and have called for measures to handle coal in a closed manner.
While highlighting the achievements of the coalition government vis-Ã -vis the minorities, Sardesai said the government was instrumental in withdrawing the murder sections in the Velim Church. He also made a mention of the kabrastan project initiated by the government and wondered why the Congress governments could not realise the long standing demand of the Muslim community.
Deputy Chief Minister Babu Ajgaonkar allayed apprehensions of the minorities, saying the minorities need not fear about the BJP any more. “The BJP did not discriminate any community while implementing social welfare schemes. Sitting MP Narendra Sawaikar should be re-elected to strengthen the hands of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure that Goa continues to receive funds,” he added.
In his address, Narendra Sawaikar urged the people to come out in large numbers on April 23 and vote for the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said what the Congress governments could not do in the last 55 years was achieved by Prime Minister Modi in just five years. Challenging the Congress to place before the people the party’s development agenda, Sawaikar said the coalition government in the State is led by youth leaders who have the vision to take Goa forward.
Panchayat Minister Mauvin Godinho, Margao Municipal Chairperson Babita Angle, ZP member Ulhas Tuemkar, councillor Arthur D’Silva were amongst those who addressed the meeting.
Govt will go by CMP: Sawant
MARGAO: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Saturday sought to allay apprehensions of the alliance partners when he publicly declared at the Lohia Maidan that his government would go by the Common Minimum Program (CMP).
The Chief Minister further asserted that the coalition government will complete its remaining three years in office, virtually conveying a message that his government has come to stay.
Addressing the NDA meeting held in support of BJP sitting MP Narendra Sawaikar, the Chief Minister also announced that the government would not neglect Margao and Fatorda, virtually saying that Margao being the State’s commercial capital will deserve all attention on the lines of Smart City project in the capital city.
“My government will honour the Common Minimum Program set by the former Chief Minister. And this government will complete the remaining years in office,” he said.
Making a fervent plea to the people to vote and re-elect sitting MP Narendra Sawaikar, the Chief Minister said the ensuing election is not an ordinary election, but an election for the nation’s Parliament.
