the goan I network
MARGAO
Addressing the media in the presence of party president Dr Jorson Fernandes, Viegas said the UGDP is not opposed to unity among regional forces based on a common minimum programme. “I would like to call the village youth to come forward and take the political leadership of the party. I am aware that certain forces, including religious leaders in certain parts of the state, had come in the way of youth joining politics in a big way,” Viegas said, while saying that youth with Goa’s interest at heart should join the UGDP.
When his attention was drawn to reports that Santa Cruz legislator Babush Monserrate is in the process of forming his own political party, Viegas demanded to know how can these people unite Goa. “We did not agree on certain things since we did not want to sell our souls by handing over the party to Monserrate,” Viegas added.
Asked to attribute the reasons for the gradual decline of the UGDP over the years, Viegas attributed the party’s situation to bad leadership. “The UGDP is the only party which can fight for the aspirations of the people of Goa. MGP is no longer a regional party given its association with the national party, BJP,” he added.
Lashing out at the present BJP-led government for its failure on all fronts, Viegas pointed out that the government has failed to start mining and has not rectified the RP-21 till date. UGDP president Dr Jorson Fernandes said that party is all for sustainable development, which will meet the requirements of its people now and in the future.
The UGDP general body meeting scheduled on July 29 will discuss and decide on the future of the 22-year-old regional party.
