Chief Minister Pramod Sawant deserves congratulations for assuring Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao that Opinion Poll Day, 16th January, will be celebrated as “Asmitai Dis” with a state function starting from 2025. It’s worth noting that LOP Yuri Alemao had previously moved a resolution in the Goa Assembly proposing that the government officially celebrate Opinion Poll Day as “Asmitai Dis” with a state function, providing valid reasons for this.
Despite the historic opinion poll, which Goans won on 1st January 1967, our governments have not given this day significant importance in recent years. Instead, they have spent large sums of money organising various official functions and celebrating the anniversaries of historical figures from neighbouring regions. Thankfully, our current leaders have recognised the importance of this day. If Goans had not voted against merging with Maharashtra on 16th January 1967, Goa would have become a district of Maharashtra, and our current leaders would never have had the opportunity to contest elections or serve in the state assembly.A big salute to CM Sawant for supporting this proposal and promising to officially celebrate Opinion Poll Day on a grand scale across the state from 2025. This celebration will honour the day and highlight Goa’s unique identity. Viva Goa. Viva Goenkaar!
