South Goa MP assures people of St Cruz he’ll take up their issues

South Goa MP Viriato Fernandes listens to grievances of locals during his visit to Santa Cruz panchayat on Monday.

Photo Credits: Manuel Vaz

OLD GOA  

South Goa MP Viriato Fernandes visited the Santa Cruz panchayat on Monday to hear and address the concerns of local people.  

He came after being invited by ZP member Shiney Oliveira and Sarpanch Jennifer Oliveira.  

During the visit, Fernandes listened to those present and offered solutions to their problems.  

Later, speaking to reporters, MP Fernandes said he will try to solve the problems faced by the people of the St Cruz constituency.  

“The people got Congress candidates elected in St Cruz but on two occasions these candidates switched loyalties and joined the BJP,” Fernandes said but added that it was the candidates who betrayed the people, not the Congress party.  

“The Congress party continues to be with the people and we are working on ways to give a trustworthy candidate to the people of St Cruz and whatever assurances the party made to the people, I will try to fulfil them in whatever way possible,” Fernandes assured.  

“Just because the elected MLAs defected doesn’t mean that it is the end of the road for Congress party. In fact, it is a new beginning and let us all work together to strengthen the party,” Fernandes appealed.  

Sarpanch Oliveira said their aim was to inform people about schemes available from the Centre or from MPLAD funds during the MP’s visit.  

“Many people are not aware of the Central government schemes and we wanted them to be aware of the same. In the future, we are planning of having a public meeting of St Cruz constituency voters with the MP,” she added.  

St Cruz Congress block president John Nazareth said although the MP visited Santa Cruz panchayat, the meeting was open to people from the other two panchayats in the constituency, Merces and Chimbel.  

“MP Fernandes has taken up issues concerning the entire Goa in the Parliament and we are confident that he would address issues concerning St Cruz constituency,” Nazareth added.