PANJIM: Stating that he has always been the prime target of the Congress party in the State, Sardesai took a dig at his alliance partner MGP for giving an advantage to the Rahul Gandhi led-party in Goa.
“They have always targeted me and not others,” indirectly indicating that there was a bonhomie between Congress and MGP.
Further, he observed that the MGP contesting bypolls, clearly showed that they are not with the ruling coalition.
“History has shown whenever there is a contest between BJP and MGP, Congress has emerged victorious. If you are in the alliance government and accept Manohar Parrikar as the leader, why take such steps?” he asked MGP and further added that ‘this clearly shows they are not with the alliance government’.
When pointed out that BJP state president Vinay Tendulkar had expressed confidence that MGP would not contest polls, he said, “I wish Tendulkar all the best on Sudin (Ramkrishna Dhavalikar) or MGP. There is a limit to confidence and if it goes above it become overconfidence.”
Sardesai also asked what would happen if BJP were to lose both the bypolls and Congress were to win. “Will MGP remain in coalition?” he asked. He cited the example of Canacona when BJP and MGP contested against each other that helped Congress win.
When asked to comment about his own party’s stand after the bypolls, Sardesai said, “Right now we are strongly with the government and I do not want to comment anything about future.”
Sardesai was speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony of Banstarim Market in Priol Constituency which will be contructed at a cost of around 17.50 cr. Panchayat Minister Mauin Godhino and Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude were present. Vijai extended his support to Gaude in his recent spat with the PWD Minister. Praising Gaude, he said he is fighting in cabinet for solving their problems and empowerment of Bahujans. He explained how Gaude had to fight when his works were pending and pointed out that he has also similarly fought for issues that are for the development of their respective constituencies.
He gave the example of how Gaude is struggling to solve the water woes of Priol constituency. Vijai further recalled how MGP had represented Priol but had failed to carry out development works. He questioned why MGP failed to construct Banstarim Market which is the need of hour and lauded Gaude for his inititative on it. He also stressed that Priol needs Ravindra Bhavans, Higher Secondary Schools and other projects for which he assured full support. He said that he would launch a project of Rs 9 crore in Priol for the development of agriculture by constructing bandharas for agriculture purpose.
