Party spokesperson Trajano D’Mello takes potshots at AAP
the goan I network
PANAJI
Goa Forward Party, whose supremo Vijai Sardesai is at the centre of a storm for his “scum of the earth” remark against North Indian tourists, has dismissed any demand for apology.
“We dismiss the recent demand for an apology from our president and TCP Minister Vijai Sardesai with the contempt it deserves,” Goa Forward spokesperson Trajano D’Mello said.
“Standing up for Goa and Goemkars demands no apology. Our President has already clarified his ‘scum’ comment which is directed only against those tourists who not only display an absolute disregard for Goa and its culture, but also create nuisance and trouble for peace-loving and tolerant locals which has led to instances where even their lives have been endangered,” D’Mello said. “Our President has been courageous enough to stand by his statement despite attempts to portray him as xenophobic by a few vested interests like AAP,” he added.
“It’s impossible for a party like GF to hide behind pseudo-morality and false ethics like AAP and not react to the bus video that has angered the common Goemkar on the street but has had no effect on AAP,” he said.
“Unlike AAP, we are a party that is founded to champion the cause of common Goemkars and we are fearless, unashamed and proud to voice their anger and frustrations. And we will continue to do so. AAP’s pretence of being a Goa-centric party lies exposed with this demand, as they have not only failed to stand up for the hard-working Goemkar on the street who faces the brunt of this uncouth and uncivilized behaviour but also attempts to silence those who speak for them,” he stated.
My grievance only against nuisance makers, says Vijai
MARGAO: Saying that he too believes in ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ (the guest is equivalent to God) and there cannot be any discrimination on the nature and type of tourists visiting Goa, TCP Minister Vijai Sardesai on Sunday said the guests visiting the State should also adhere to the principals of clean, green and smart that the State espouses.
“Everyone is welcome in Goa and participate in the carnival festivities. There’s no discrimination against tourists from North or South India. I too believe in “Atithi Devo Bhava” and foreigners, domestic tourists are all welcome to Goa, but my grievance was only a small section of tourists who indulge in nuisance,” the TCP Minister said on the sidelines of the Margao carnival floats parade at the Opinion Poll square
on Sunday. “Today, we are thinking of making clean, green and smart Goa and cleanliness is next to godliness. And, let me tell you, people from wherever they come who contribute to keep Goa clean will be more welcome in the state,” he said. The TCP Minister’s statement assumes significance and comes against the bitter row over his comments that Goa does not need tourists from North India, whom he described as ‘scum of the earth”, triggering a controversy at the state and national level.
