TEAM HERALD
VASCO: A day after the Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) decided to expel party MLA Atanasio (Babush) Monserrate for anti-party activities, Dabolim MLA Mauvin Godinho on Wednesday challenged the GPCC to initiate similar action against him.
“Just because I speak the truth, everybody is criticising me and they have even threatened to initiate action against me. I am also waiting when they will take action against me. I want to tell them this: if you want to initiate action against me and if you have the guts, do it as soon as possible,” challenged Godinho.
“People are my strength and I will work for their betterment. Those who work for the betterment of the people will always receive their support and this is my experience,” added Godinho.
Godinho recalled that he had won from Dabolim constituency because of the people’s support, despite the strong anti-Congress wave during the last assembly election.
“I am not afraid of anyone. On the contrary, I want to tell them that if they have guts, let them expedite the process of initiating action against me,” he said.
Godinho was speaking at a function organised by the State government to lay the foundation stone for the up-gradation and extension of the Chicalim Cottage Hospital (CCH).
Addressing the gathering, Godinho said his dream to have a district hospital has been fulfilled by the BJP government, after Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar and Deputy Chief Minister Francis D’Souza laid the foundation stone. He thanked Parsekar and D’Souza for finally fulfilling his long-pending dream.
“During the tenure of the Congress government, the Airport Authority had agreed to bear part of the cost to construct the CCH as the government had no money, but nothing moved,” said Godinho.
“I feel that the BJP-led government never stopped any development work in my constituency even though I am from the opposition. For example, projects like the CCH, Chicalim Panchayat building, Jogger’s Park and tendering of the Vaddem Lake in my constituency proves that this government simply does not talk, but does the work in reality,” added Godinho.
While praising former chief minister Manohar Parrikar, Godinho said Parrikar during his tenure as chief minister had undertaken developmental work in Dabolim constituency.
“When this government has helped me so much even though I am in the opposition, why should I not support and be with this government? The present chief minister and the deputy chief minister are ever ready and have helped me,” said Godinho.
He urged Parsekar and D’Souza to legalise the houses which are constructed on comunidade land.
