18 Apr 2021  |   06:09am IST

Taxi operators should not expect solution from insensitive government: Oppn leader

Leader of the Opposition Digambar Kamat met with protesting taxi operators on Day 12 of their strike and on a day they were denied access to Azad Maidan, where they have been protesting from since April 6. 

Kamat attempted to intervene with the district administration and try to see if the taxi operators could get permission to protest from Azad Maidan. 

As the North Goa Collector was not available in office, the former Chief Minister then led a delegation to the Deputy Collector & SDO urging him to give permission to the taxi operators for a peaceful protest at Azad Maidan.

In his address to protestors on the streets of Panjim, Kamat said, “The insensitive BJP government has crossed all limits. Local Goan taxi operators should not expect any solution from this government. I humbly urge the taxi operators not to push their families in the Covid trap. I appeal to them to please go back home and remain safe. It is a matter of a few more months for this government to go (and won’t be re-elected). Our government (that will be formed post elections) will resolve this issue on top most priority.” 

He added that the government must allow local taxi operators to protest for their rights given that the government at the same time is allowing large gatherings near casinos. 

He asserted that the government has no right to suppress the rights of people and said the taxi operators have been following the COVID-related SOPs 

“The government has failed to control the spread of Covid pandemic. If you survive, you can beg and borrow to manage your living. There is no point in exposing you and your families to this highly infectious disease when this government has no concern for Goans,” Kamat said, appealing to the families of taxi operators.

“After the High Court and Supreme Court upheld the democratic process in the ward reservation matter, I had said that this is beginning of the end of the BJP Government. Yesterday, the High Court rescued democracy in the Sanquelim Municipality matter. I again say that the end of the BJP government is near. Now, the people of Goa will ensure that it is the end of the irresponsible BJP government,” Kamat added.