PANAJI: With confusing statements emerging from the government over the issue of Mhadei, the Aam Aadmi Party in Goa has hit out at the "Parrikar-Vijai" combine for hoodwinking the people of Goa.
The party also went as far as to allege that Vijai had a pre-poll agreement with the BJP to form an "unholy alliance".
"Vijay has claimed that Parrikar is working on non-political issues which affect common man one of which is garbage. Where is the plan of action? The government is a non-starter in dealing with garbage and issues of common man. On the contrary, issues that are meant to inflame the people's passion are raked up for political gains," AAP Goa Secretary Pradip Padgaonkar said.
"What has happened to his (Vijai's) demand of moving out the Casinos from the River Mandovi? What is his stand on river nationalisation today as against his demand for de-nationalisation of Goan Rivers before elections? What about free water to each household, free power for agriculture, free WiFi access, affordable housing, day-care centres for seniors and children, and fish-coconut-bread at affordable prices?" Padgaonkar questioned.
"Vijay should now be humble to deliver on the promise to the common man as done in Delhi. Adopt good government initiatives on health & education as Goa has nothing to show on this front," Padgaonkar claimed, saying that Goa Forward's pre-election manifesto was inspired by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's model of good governance.
The AAP has maintained that the alleged Common Minimum Program (CMP) is a farce stating and rather than being just a ‘guiding force' is actually a ‘guiding force for corruption.'
"Congress, which is in principal opposition, will never be able to answer to the people of Goa over surrendering power to BJP after the people gave 17 seats to them as they are a B team of the BJP. Likewise, the grand old party will also never be able to explain to the people of Goa its silence on issues plaguing Goa. In the new year, the Congress too should resolve to either play its part as the principal opposition without fearing vendetta or claim no moral right, whatsoever," Padgaonkar concluded.
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Vijai-Valmiki in social media spat on Twitter
PANAJI: Goa Forward supremo and AAP leader Valmiki Naik sparred on social networking site Twitter with the duo involved in an exchange of tweets over the former's claim that a waiver of infrastructure tax for single dwelling units for Goans was his "gift" for Goans over the festive period.
Posting a link to a video of him, moving the Goa Tax on Infrastructure (Amendment) Bill 2017 in the recently concluded winter session of the Goa Legislative Assembly, Sardesai tweeted:
"Me moving in the assembly The Goa Tax on Infrastructure (Amendment) Bill 2017, a gift to Goenkars on this Liberation Day. Every single family dwelling of up to 250 sqm, built by a Goenkar will have no infrastructure tax henceforth. Benefit of ₹50,000," Sardesai tweeted (quoted verbatim).
However, Naik was quick to respond.
"Sir, gifts are usually bought from your money. Don't give us "gifts" bought from our own money," he said.
When questioned by another user, over why he had a problem with the tax waiver, which could not be construed as a bad thing, Naik qualified saying: "It's a good thing, but it is extreme arrogance to call it a "gift", as if he is giving the tax benefit from his own pocket."
However, Sardesai wasn't about to take things lying down.
"Your money? If you don't want to avail of this you may build a house of more than 250 sq m, otherwise governments can't discriminate between Goenkars! Although some are admittedly foolish and perpetual antagonists. Ur (Your) party is 4 (for) mohallas, our is 4 (for) orrad Goenkars! And we are always Forward," Sardesai retorted.
Sardesai along with the ruling government has been at a receiving end of a few tough weeks in government as they stand accused of selling Goa's interest for the cause of BJP's chances in the Karnataka assembly elections.
