PANAJI
The Goa Forward Party bowed down to political pressure from various quarters and walked out of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on Tuesday, citing “anti-Goan policies” of the BJP government that have “wreaked havoc on the State’s unique way of life, heritage, environment and livelihood”
Announcing the decision at a press conference GFP President Vijai Sardesai said, the party’s State Executive and Political Affairs Committee unanimously voted to break from the NDA.
“Gudi Padwa marks a new beginning not only for the party but also for all its supporters and workers who are looking forward to a new Goa -- one that reflects the true aspirations of Goemkars, and signals the promise of hope and unity.” Sardesai said.
Later, Sardesai, in a formal letter to senior BJP leader and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, conveyed the party's decision to withdraw from the NDA.
"I write to you today formally declaring the Goa Forward Party's withdrawal from the National Democratic Alliance. There is no doubt that our relationship with the NDA ended in July 2019, with no room for reconsideration," Sardesai said in the letter.
Stating that formal withdrawal was inevitable, Vijai made it clear that as the commitment to Goemkars precedes all, the GFP is out of the NDA forever, and we will never look back.
Sardesai alleged that since July 2019, the BJP-led government has shifted its focus away from Goa with the introduction of numerous anti-Goan policies in the State.
While stating that the present BJP is backstabbing Goans, Sardesai pointed out that the relationship with GFP has been dead Since July 2019.
Under the late Manohar Parrikar, BJP used to be a party with a difference, and under Pramod Sawant it is a different party -- an anti-Goan party, he said.
Sardesai said that Since 2019 as a member of the Opposition he has vigilantly and rigorously attempted to hold the government accountable over issues like Mhadei, Mollem, Linear Projects, unemployment, Covid-19 among others.
The GFP chief pointed out that the time has come for a united political opposition against the BJP.
Vijai Sardesai said, “Team Goa is our vision and mission to formulate a people’s alliance to bring forth a political reset for the people of Goa.”
He appealed all political parties, NGOs, civil societies and the people of Goa to come together and unite to defeat the BJP in all elections.
“We should not only look at the big election of 2022, but ensure that even at our panchayat, municipal, and Assembly levels, Goan voices, Goan ambition, and Goan aspirations always take precedence”, Sardessai said.
