TUESDAY, MAY 14, 2024
Team Herald
CURCHOREM: "Goans are disappointed with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's silence on the promises made to them during the 2014 election campaign," said Goa Pradesh Congress Committee President Amit Patkar, addressing media persons here as part of the ongoing campaign for Capt Viriato Fernandes.
Recalling the Prime Minister's speech in Goa, where he had assured Goans of special status to protect their culture and heritage, Patkar questioned why Modi remained silent on this promise now.
"The Prime Minister also failed to deliver on his promise in 2014 that mining operations would start in Goa 'within three months'," Patkar noted, highlighting that the resumption of mining operations still remains a distant hope.
Patkar also criticised Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, demanding accountability for the Rs. 300 crore sanctioned by the Centre to Goa to mark the State's 60th Liberation Day, referring to the Chief Minister's tweet announcing the receipt of these funds.
Furthermore, he pointed out that the BJP had failed to fulfill its promise in 2014 to withdraw the permission given to Karnataka to divert waters of the Mhadei river.
Accusing the BJP of eroding Goan identity, heritage, and culture through their actions, Patkar stated, "They took our rivers by nationalising them and changing their names."
He emphasised that Goans have lost patience over the BJP's failures on various fronts, including employment generation, injustice to small and medium business communities, taxi drivers, motorcycle pilots, the fishing community, and farmers.
INDIA Bloc candidate for the Lok Sabha polls, Viriato Fernandes, assured to fulfill all the promises made by the Congress, pledging to be the true voice of Goa in parliament.
"The Prime Minister should return our coastline to us Goans, which has now been taken over by the Mormugao Port Authority," urged Capt Viriato.
Capt Viriato then visited the Curchorem market and interacted with the business community, receiving a warm welcome.
