MARGAO
On the eve of the ST convention scheduled at the Multipurpose ground, Borda, on Sunday evening, leaders of the ST community on Saturday have said every attempt will be made to unite the scheduled tribes in Fatorda to vote and elect former two-time MLA Damu Naik on the BJP banner.
Addressing the media, BJP ST councillor Camilo Barretto informed that only members of the ST community from Fatorda will be attending the convention.
“Only Niz Fatordekars will be attending the BJP convention. We have not invited ST members from the neighbouring areas of Nuvem, Arlem or Raia”, he said.
He said the ST community is getting united with an agenda to vote and elect Damu Naik back to the Legislative Assembly. “I can say that at least 75 per cent of the ST community from Fatorda are with the BJP to elect Damu Naik. We are trying to unite the entire ST community in support of the BJP and Damu Naik in the ensuing polls”, he said.
Saying that Damu was instrumental in providing jobs to the ST community during his stint as MLA, Camilo exuded confidence that the community will benefit if Damu returns to power in 2022.
Agnelo Furtado, who has been elected as the convenor of the Sunday convention, said the convention has been organised after consultations with ST leaders from Fatorda. “I can say that only Niz Fatordekars will attend the convention on Sunday”, he said.
The BJP ST convention assumes significance and comes against the backdrop of the ST convention organized by the Goa Forward Chief Vijai Sardesdai at Fatorda last Sunday.
