PANAJI
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Monday said Rahul Gandhi’s 10-minute walk would have no impact on Goa, calling the Congress leader’s yatra a failure and questioning why he had not spoken about his government’s work for the state.
Addressing the media, Sawant said, “The yatra has become a zatra. It is a total failure.”
Responding to Rahul Gandhi’s reported remarks alleging that Goa has become a model of corruption and that leaders from outside the state visit to learn about it, Sawant said Goa’s development model should instead be showcased.
He cited infrastructure projects, including the development of two airports and Mormugao Port, as examples of Goa’s development and said several leaders had visited the state to learn about its progress.
Sawant also criticised Gandhi for making what he called baseless statements, saying the Congress leader should “think 10 times before speaking”.
He further criticised Gandhi over his handling of the traditional Kunbi shawl, alleging that the Congress leader had thrown it on the table. Sawant said, “The Kunbi shawl, which represents the ST community of Goa, was thrown on the table by the leader. Every Goan saw what happened and will never forget it. On the contrary, when we presented the same shawl to PM Narendra Modi, he wore it throughout the programme. PM Modi and the entire BJP leadership have always respected Goa’s culture.”
