PORVORIM
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) scored a knockout punch by netting in former India footballer Denzil Franco and senior boxing official Lenny da Gama, as both sports stars joined the party on Saturday.
Franco and Da Gama joined the TMC in Saligao on Saturday in the presence of former India football captain, Arjuna Awardee and West Bengal MP Prasun Banerjee, West Bengal Sports Minister Manoj Tiwari and Sr Advocate Yatish Naik, who joined the TMC recently.
Denzil Franco said it was his dream to join politics after sports.
“This dream has now been fulfilled. The State government does not have respect for sportspersons, which is why I am still unemployed.”
“Basic amenities are lacking in Goa. Even though Saligao has produced several football players of repute, there is sadly no good sports ground in Saligao. I would like to serve the people of Goa in whatever capacity I can,” said Franco.
Da Gama lamented that sports associations in the State have not received grants for the last six years. Under these circumstances, how can sports prosper in Goa,” lamented Da Gama, while appealing to people to support TMC for the progress of the State.
Speaking on the occasion, Banerjee described West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as a different leader altogether.
“She is honest and enterprising, which is why she has become chief minister of West Bengal thrice. She has great respect for sportspersons and all Goans should support Mamata Banerjee to defeat BJP in Goa,” said Banerjee.
West Bengal Sports Minister accused the BJP of destroying the nation during the last five years.
“On the sports front, the picture is not very rosy. No Goan cricketer is seen playing for IPL these days and the BJP has no respect for sportspersons.”
“Basic amenities such as good roads, uninterrupted power supply, sufficient water supply are missing in Goa. Hence, Goans should support the candidates of TMC in the ensuing assembly polls,” said Tiwari.
Advocate Yatish Naik said a strong party like TMC is needed to throw BJP out of power.
“In the TMC, there is no high command and Goans will decide their priorities. The national narrative is that Goans need to strengthen TMC to defeat the BJP in Goa,” said Naik.
