GPCC President Luizinho Faleiro, while calling for unity, discipline and consolidation of the party, advised Congressmen that they would be voted to power if they served the people well in the next two years. He also cleared the cloud over ticket distribution. He said, “Party ticket for any election of any Goan constituency won’t fall from the clouds. Work for the remaining years, then we will consult the block, district and other Congress committees and give tickets. I request all Congress leaders to go to the doorsteps of the people, understand their problems and try to solve them.”
Faleiro also called the State government a ‘drug pusher’ and ‘drug promoter’ for its inaction in the recent drugs related cases.
Former chief minister Digambar Kamat highlighted the issues of Casino’s in the Mandovi river, rising fuel prices and also the delay in completing the district hospital at Fatorda. He said, “The people are going to get a shock looking at their water and light bills.”
Fransisco Sardinha lashed out at the government for its ‘U’ turn in the mining case and for closing the meat complex in Usgao. He also criticised the government for ignoring the Zuari bridge and taking up the work of the third Mandovi bridge. He said, “I have warned and will warn again that, God forbid, if something happens to the Zuari bridge, the Goan economy will face huge crisis.”
Clafasio Dias, who was under pressure since the event started, expressed confidence in his work and the people’s support. He handed to Faleiro over 1400 membership forms duly-filled by the people of his area.
He said, “Let’s keep the work in the society and the community as a merit or demerit for election tickets. I believe I have a greater support and connect with the people of my constituency.”
Advocate John Monteiro later took to the dais; his supporters shouted slogans demanding him to be their leader. It is noteworthy that Monterio, who is also claiming the Congress ticket for Cuncolim, had filed a defamation notice against Clafasio for his alleged defamatory remarks during the Zilla Panchayat elections.
