MARGAO
Attired in a tribal costume, she danced alongside women to the beats of tribal music, before seating with the tribal people for lunch served on a Patravali (an eco-plate) in the remote ST village of Morpilla in Quepem taluka.
Ahead of the ensuing 2022 polls, Priyanka Gandhi tried to strike a chord with the tribal villagers of Morpilla, as they gave vent to their feelings of neglect and absence of development. Tribal girls narrated how the villagers receive water only for just 20 minutes a day, while another girl pointed out the lack of playground. Still another girl rued the village faces network issues, affecting their studies and communication.
Interacting with the tribal villagers in Hindi, Priyanka, however, sought to reassure the tribals by offering a solution “ you have to elect a government that would work for them. “The government in power is not working for the people. They are working for themselves, they believe in retaining power for themselves and for their corporate friends,” she said.
She added: “Goa is facing issues on coal and environment. You are also engaged in agriculture. The Congress party will work for you to resolve your water woes, sports ground. It is your right to get these amenities. The government is not doing you any favour. But, you have to choose the right government which will work for you. Netas makes promises, but they don’t honour the promise, but it is important to make them responsible.”
Striking an emotional chord with the tribals, Priyanka reminded them how the Gandhi family has always protected the interest of Goa and Goans. “My grandmother respected the sentiments of the people of Goa by giving them the Opinion Poll and the people decided to protect their identity.”
When the media suggested that the Congress party is equally responsible for Morpilla’s neglect since Quepem constituency was represented by MLA Chandrakant Kavlekar, who has switched sides to the BJP, Priyanka shot back, “The BJP was ruling the State for the last 10 years. Unless you have the government support, it’s difficult to usher in the development.”
Before leaving Morpilla, she told the waiting media she is overwhelmed by their love and the way they have preserved their rich culture. These people are receiving water for only 20 minutes and this is happening because the government is not working for the common man,” she added.
