the goan I network
PONDA
Rejecting statements from former chief minister and Ponda MLA Ravi Naik that the MGP and Goa Forward Party (GFP) were under pressure from the BJP, leaders of both regional parties have claimed that the Congress and Naik are themselves under pressure.
Alleging that MGP and GFP were under pressure from the saffron party, former chief minister and Ponda MLA Ravi Naik on Wednesday had said the BJP had been pressurising its allies on grounds that its party is in power at the Centre and as a result, both regional parties had lost their voices on key issues of Goa.
MGP President Deepak Dhavalikar dismissed Naik’s claims that MGP was under pressure, and added that the pressure was on the Congress itself.
“Had they not been under fear that their cases would come up, they would have formed the government in the State. This is an open secret known by everyone,” Dhavalikar said.
According to Dhavalikar, though the Congress had the numbers to form a coalition government, it failed to do so as they were under pressure of getting exposed.
“MGP never works under pressure and the Congress should first look within itself before levelling allegations,” Dhavalikar said.
GFP Chief and TCP Minister Vijai Sardesai also rejected similar allegations by Naik and advised him to instead concentrate on his health.
“I have very high respect for Ravibab Naik, who has been a senior leader of the Congress Party and also a former chief minister. He knows me very well and he also knows that I never work under pressure, be it from anyone, any party or any situation,” Sardesai said.
“Naik is under pressure to level such allegations as there is a vacancy in the State Congress Party president’s post. Naik is himself under pressure to come up with such statements and level allegations. Also, Ponda municipality will go to polls next month and Ravibab has to stay relevant. We can understand this,” countered Sardesai.
While wishing Naik good health, the Fatorda legislator said Naik is his good friend and he should always remain healthy. Recently, he was hospitalised in Delhi and he should not take unnecessary pressure on these issues. I know how to work and to take Goa forward without any pressure,” Sardesai said.
