OLD GOA
Stating that it suits the Revolutionary Goans Party (RGP) to function as a single opposition as the mindset of other opposition parties does not match the Goa-centric party, St Andre’s RGP MLA Viresh Borkar, however, said the RGP will extend issue-based support to opposition parties at the forthcoming Assembly session beginning from Monday.
Speaking to The Goan, Borkar said that RGP primarily thinks of Goa and Goans.
"We are not bound by central leadership and their directives as we are a regional party with a moot focus on issues affecting Goa and Goans, which is the reason why RGP cannot be part of a united opposition," Borkar stated.
"The issue of Mhadei diversion is a prime example where the other opposition parties have gone slow on the issue, but RGP has consistently opposed moves of Karnataka on the Mhadei river," Borkar informed.
"Then, there are issues like defining Person of Goan Origin (POGO), jobs and land to POGO, etc., which the other parties are not willing to address. In such circumstances, it is only prudent for the RGP to go alone," the RGP MLA pointed out.
Issue-based support
However, in the same tone, Borkar said his party is open to extending issue-based support to opposition parties after discussing with the party leadership.
"If there is any issue raised by the opposition and it concerns Goa and Goans, then RGP will definitely extend support, but only after consulting party leadership," he stated.
When questioned whether a fragmented opposition will effectively hand the advantage to the government, Borkar said, “In the past, too, RGP went alone and effectively cornered the government on various issues.”
On the issues that are going to be raised by him this Assembly session, Borkar said that the main focus is on protecting the identity of Goans, land protection bill, employment for locals in the government and private sectors, water scarcity issues and resolution to the same, prevention of coastal erosion, climate change, agricultural revival with focus on khazans and others.
To another question, whether people have given their suggestions on issues to be raised in the Assembly, Borkar said many people have submitted their issues to him, and he will try to take up the majority of them.
"There are many issues that need to be raised, but it all depends on whether I will get the opportunity to speak on the same in the Assembly," Borkar said.
To a question on the apparent rift in the main Opposition, the Congress, over notice to Aldona MLA Carlos Ferreira, Borkar said that he does not want to comment on that as it is for that party to deal with.
