VASCO
Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi’s interaction with the fishing community at Velsao took an unusual turn when a fisherman from Benaulim confronted Gandhi and asked him if he would honour assurances made by the Congress party.
The incident took place then the fisherman, who was identified as Pele Fermandes, bluntly interrupted Gandhi and told him not to make promises here in Goa and then fly back like a bird. Fernandes insisted that the Congress should only make promises that they can honour.
Fernandes was narrating his grievances to Gandhi and said the Coastal Police had been ineffective and ill-equipped to stop large fishing boats from other states.
“We want to know what is our benefit if we have a Congress government," said Fernandes.
Fernandes said the Congress must assure the fishermen that the Coastal Police would get 20 fishing boats if the Congress government came to power.
“We will bring your government to power if you do our work. You have come here with another three months for assembly elections. Don't promise and fly like a bird. Promise what you will do in Goa and we want that our work should be done if the Congress comes to power in Goa," said Fernandes.
While some organisers tried to stop Fernandes from speaking further due to time constraints, Fernandes claimed he had come all the way from Benaulim for a discussion and if he was not allowed to speak his mind, his visit was of no use.
However, Gandhi later assured him that all promises made to fishermen at Velsao would be implemented by the Congress party.
