MONDAY, MAY 20, 2024
Team Herald
MARGAO: In what could be seen as a clear case of appeasing the voters, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday morning paid a surprise visit to migrant-inhabited Moti Dongor, Margao, and claimed that the Muslim community was very much with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
However, the Opposition charged that the CM had gone there to appease the Muslims and alleged that this created a fear psychosis in the minds of the minorities residing at Moti Dongor.
The Opposition dared Kamat to ask the Chief Minister to visit the State’s commercial capital instead.
Sawant was seen taking stock of the situation at Moti Dongor along with Margao MLA Digambar Kamat.
After visiting Moti Dongor, Sawant later told reporters that members of the Muslim community residing atop the hill are very much with the BJP.
“We will get a good lead at Moti Dongor. The response here indicates that BJP will get a massive lead in Margao constituency. BJP will also fare well in Salcete taluka. Congress leaders tried their best to create a division among the people in the name of caste and religion, but people are with us,” he said.
As soon as the news of CM’s visit to Moti Dongor spread, Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai also rushed to the hillock and alleged that fear is being created among the minorities.
He said, “It seems that the CM has resorted to the slogan ‘Sab ka saath, sab ka vikas’ at the last moment. Presently, fear is being created among the voters of Moti Dongor to vote for the BJP, but people will not fall prey to their ‘dadagiri’. It is a clear-cut indication that Kamat fears losing his hold over Moti Dongor.”
Later reacting to the Fatorda MLA’s allegations, Kamat said, “Those eyeing the Margao constituency should be worried about their own constituency. Anyone is free to contest in Margao. Ultimately, people will decide my fate. Trends in South Goa are encouraging.”
Adv Radharao Gracias said, “Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s visit to Moti Dongor in Margao doesn’t amount to violation of Model Code of Conduct, but is certainly an appeasement of Muslims. Because the residents over there are Muslims. He has gone there to appease the Muslims; if not why he has gone there?”
