WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2024
Team Herald
PANJIM: Goa Forward Party President Vijai Sardesai on Saturday dejectedly pointed out that a total of 83 Goans have died in the “post-midnight murders” between 2 am to 6 am due to “logistical reasons” claimed by the government.
Vijai slammed Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant and Health Minister Vishwajit Rane for their “negligent and casual approach in strengthening Goa’s medical infrastructure amid rising COVID-19 cases.”
He stressed that “Goans are fully aware that the government’s directionless and inefficient handling have led to this disaster, and these two are solely responsible for Goa’s current misery.”
Vijai hit out saying, “This situation cannot continue and it’s evident that Goa has turned into a banana republic. There’s no government in Goa, no leadership, and no action.”
He added, “Unless the government is dismissed or resigns, or a proper efficient task force comprising health experts is immediately appointed by the High Court, there’s no way Goa can be saved.”
Vijai pointed out that Goa has crossed the grim 2,000 mark for total deaths due to COVID-19 and said, “If the government had been proactive, ensured excess supply of oxygen, arranged for hospital beds, and imposed restrictions on tourists, Goa would not be where it is today.”
The former deputy Chief Minister added, “The government’s gross mismanagement and absolute lack of efficiency in arranging oxygen have caused enormous grief and misery to so many Goan families.”
He questioned whether the government is even aware of the tragedy and pain Goan families are going through.
He said, “Publicity stunts and photo ops do not help, and Goa is an educated society that simply wants accountability and transparency.” Vijai added that Goans are politically and socially conscious and want to cooperate with the government.
He said, “It was the people and panchayats and other local bodies that were imposing their local lockdowns because the Chief Minister was so afraid to utter the word.”
Vijai praised Goa’s medical staff and all frontline workers saying, “Our medical staff and frontline workers from doctors, nurses, hospital staff, ambulance drivers, pharmacists and volunteers are our Goemkarponn heroes. No one understands the plight they are going through and we salute them, and promise to honour and reward their sacrifices for the people and the State.”
