MARGAO
Global Romi Lipi Abhiyan (GRLA) has requested the people of Goa to demand from their Zilla Panchayat candidates that they should openly declare on a public platform their manifesto that they will support the inclusion of Romi Konkani into the Official Language Act and introduce Romi Konkani into the schools of Goa if they want to get elected.
GRLA President Kennedy Afonso said the Abhiyan does not support the move made by some political parties to field Zilla Panchayat candidates on party lines. “We strongly believe that the Panchayat and Zilla Panchayats are grassroot civic elections, which should not be fought on party lines, as it polarises the people on party lines, and makes them lean towards party’ affiliations, rather than focus on a suitable candidate, who can bring overall grassroot development in their respective Zilla sectors,” he said.
Afonso said that GRLA strongly feels that the idea of Zilla elections, is to keep local politics focused on community needs, rather than their selfish party agendas. He, however, said that GRLA has decided to support only those candidates, who will support the cause of Romi Konkani, among other issues.
“GRLA request all Goans, and Romi Konkani lovers to support and vote, only those candidates, (irrespective of party) who will openly declare their support for recognition of Romi Konkani into the Official language Act (OLA), and in the schools of Goa as part of their election manifesto,” he said.
Afonso warned that if any ZP candidate does not publicly support Romi Konkani, GRLA would appeal to the voters to reject them outright and vote for ZP candidates who will support our twin demands. “A year ago, 56 gram sabhas had supported and passed the resolutions, demanding to give recognition to Romi Konkani, but the government has ignored the cries of its people. It’s time all Goans rise as one to demand it again from our candidates in this Zilla elections, and make it an election issue,” he said.
