MAPUSA
The Congress and AAP were quick to slam the BJP-led government for the delay in initiating the new bus-stand project in Mapusa and called the Wednesday’s foundation laying ceremony a political gimmick in an election year.
The Congress said for more than a decade, the government had only made false promises to Mapxecars of starting the bus-stand project and even twice laid foundation stones in presence of then deputy CM late Francis D’Souza.
“The new bus-stand project will never come up in Mapusa at least for the next two years. This foundation stone laying ceremony has been done to woo the electorate because of the civic election, which will be followed by the assembly polls,” said Vijay Bhike, President of North Goa District Congress Committee.
The Congressmen gathered near the new bus-stand site with black flags and censured the BJP-led government for trying to cheat the residents of Mapusa.
“The foundation stone is nothing but political deception to fool the people of Mapusa. The voters of Mapusa will have to remain alert and teach the BJP-backed candidates a lesson in the civic election,” Bhike said.
The North Goa District Congress Committee chief also sought to remind that it was Congress that highlighted the sorry state of affairs at the new bus-stand site during the rains.
He said the party had also raised the issue of illegal migrants making their home at the site.
North Goa District Congress Committee General Secretary Bolanath Gadi, Mapusa Congress Block President Mithali Gadekar, Congress youth leader Naushad Chaudhari, Feroz Khan, Mapusa Peoples’ Union President, Jawaharlal Shetye, Sudesh Tivrekar and others were present for the protest.
Reacting to the foundation stone event, Aam Aadmi Party Convenor Rahul Mhambre said Mapusa will only see such foundation stones laid on eve of elections.
“After languishing for several years, today we have the foundation stone of the bus-stand at Mapusa on eve of municipal elections. What was done for the last five years then?” Mhambre tweeted.
