Team Herald

MARGAO: Margao MLA Digambar Kamat said on Saturday that former leader of opposition late Dr Kashinath Jalmi is his “Idol” and pledged to emulate the late leader.

Speaking after his felicitation by Madgao Nagarik Samiti, Kamat has pledged to play a constructive role as Leader of Opposition by raising issues concerning the common man and would always work to protect the identity of Goa.

“I will play a constructive role as Leader of Opposition and will raise issues concerning the common man and will always work to protect the identity of Goa,” he said.

The felicitation function was held at the Margao Municipal hall, on Saturday.

Kamat was felicitated by Principal Madhav Kamat and Justice (retired) Utkarsh Bakre by presenting a memento in the presence of Ranjan Naik, Adv Cleofato Coutinho, Datta Damodar Naik, Girish Chodankar, Tito Cardoso, Iftikar Sheikh and Anil Pai.

“There is a team of bureaucrats who guide the chief minister. This team is not available for the Leader of Opposition. My fellow Goans will be my advisors and I will work wholeheartedly to raise their issues,” he said further.  

Advising the minister to practise humility, Kamat said, “These days some ministers challenge us to approach the courts if some wrongdoings of the government are pointed out by the Opposition. However, government is a continuous process and it is the duty of the government to correct its mistakes.”

“It will be in the interest of the State, if the present government follows the suggestions of the Opposition to reduce wasteful expenditure and reduce the burden of loans,” Kamat said. 

On the occasion, Principal Madhav Kamat said, “In democracy the role of Leader of Opposition is equally important as that of the Chief Minister of the State.  I have full confidence that Digambar Kamat will play his role responsibly.” 

Justice Utkarsh Bakre also praised Digambar Kamat for his simplicity and kindness.