MARGAO
The Margao Civic Alliance formed by Opposition Leader Digambar Kamat, Congress MLA Reginaldo Lourenco and Goa Forward chief Vijai Sardesai to fight the Margao Municipal election received a boost with the Goemkar “ Ek Pavl Ekcharanchem, comprising of several NGOs endorsing the alliance, saying the alliance will help defeat the BJP.
The group along with the civil society appealed to the Opposition parties to set aside their differences and ego and make every effort to come together to put up a joint front against the BJP and save Goa and its people from total decimation.
Addressing the media, activist Vikas Bhagat said the civil society’s efforts to bring the Opposition on a common platform to oppose the anti-people policies has given a glimmer of hope to the people of Goa. He said the performance of people’s panel under the banner of Swabhiman Curchorem in the just concluded election for the Curchorem municipal body shows the mood of the people and the earnest desire for an united opposition against the destructive policies of the BJP. “The coming together of leaders from the Congress and Goa Forward to fight the municipal election in Margao holds a glimmer of hope for the people who have been longing for an effective opposition. The all round support and appreciation towards the alliance though not on party lines is a welcome sign,” he said.
While making an appeal for opposition unity, activist Creson Antao said the people, especially the youth and the future generations will hold the present political parties in the opposition solely responsible from shying away from coming together to save the State and its people.
Activist Olencio Simoes made a fervent plea to the people, irrespective of caste and creed to save Goa, even as he blamed the BJP for thrusting upon the State projects which will ruin Goa.
Expressing satisfaction that the Congress and Goa Forward have come together to fight the Margao civic polls, activist Freddy Travasso said political parties should come together in the interest of Goa to defeat the BJP.
Activist against coal, Xankar Polge blamed the ruling party for bulldozing with the anti-people projects, including coal in the State.
When the media reminded activist Vikas Bhagat that both Kamat and Sardesai had come together in 2015 before parting ways in 2015 after the latter supported the BJP, Bhagat said the Goa Forward chief has accepted his mistake of supporting the BJP, adding that he has promised that the mistake will not be repeated in the future. He also said the Goa Forward will sever ties with the NDA at the right time.
