the goan I network
MARGAO
In a bid to reach out to the Muslim minority for the crucial support for the candidature of South Goa Lok Sabha candidate Narendra Sawaikar, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, his deputy Babu Ajgaonkar and Sawaikar descended on the Muslim-dominated Rumdamol Housing Board on Saturday.
While Ajgaonkar, who enjoys close ties with the Muslim community, sought to instill confidence in the minority that they need not fear the BJP as long as he is part of the government, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said that the needs of the minority in the field of education, jobs and other areas will be resolved by the government.
Addressing a meeting convened by the Goa Muslim Welfare Association led by President Ashraf Pandiyal and Convenor Shaikh Aslam, the Chief Minister assured the Muslim minority that Prime Minister Sab ka saath, sab ka vikas slogan will be implemented for the minority community in Goa. “Prime Minister’s slogan does not discriminate against anyone, but gives justice to everyone,” the Chief Minister said, adding that since he holds the Education portfolio, the issues concerning educational needs of the community will be addressed after the election code of conduct is lifted.
“The minorities have already come under reservation in education and jobs in Prime Minister’s 10 per cent reservation for the poor amongst the lot. The same will be implemented in Goa too which will benefit the minorities also,” Pramod said, while making a fervent plea to the minorities to support the government for the progress and development of the State and the country.
The Chief Minister said the BJP has members of the Catholic community as MLAs of the party, with two MLAs Mauvin Godinho and Nilesh Cabral in his cabinet as ministers, adding that a member of the Muslim community could also become a MLA of the BJP in the future.
In his address, Deputy Chief Minister Babu Ajgaonkar sought to allay apprehensions of the minorities towards the BJP. “Cite a single instance wherein the BJP in Goa has acted against the minorities in Goa. I have worked throughout my life for the upliftment of the Dalits, Muslims and Christians and the minorities should not fear the BJP when I am in the government,” Babu added.
Sitting BJP MP Narendra Sawaikar sought the help of the Muslim community to take forward the dreams of the Prime Minister and to usher in development of the State.
On the occasion, the GMWA handed over a memorandum to the CM seeking job reservation for the minority community, permissions to start new schools and technical institutions, special grant for minority institution and resolve the decade-old issue of
kabrastan for the Muslim community.
