MONDAY, MAY 06, 2024
Team Herald
MARGAO: The South Goa candidate of the INDIA bloc, Congress leader Captain Viriato Fernandes, urged the public to question Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Goa about his failure to deliver on promises such as job creation, granting special status to Goa, or depositing ₹15 lakh into every citizen's bank account.
At a well-attended public meeting held in Fatorda on Sunday night, Fernandes hit back at the BJP for attempting to file complaints against his election campaign. He asserted that he would not back down, as the issues he is fighting for are crucial not just for the people of South Goa but for the entire State.
Fernandes criticized decisions taken by the Central government under PM Modi's tenure, such as demonetization, which he opined caused more problems and troubled the common people. He accused the BJP of repeatedly deceiving the public through grandiose gestures and stated that the government of Goa had failed to preserve the 'Goemkarponn' (Goan identity) that was once synonymous with Goa and Goans.
He referred to the rise in crime, including thefts, murders, and rapes, and criticized the lackadaisical attitude of the police, accusing them of acting only when pressured by the public or the media. He expressed sadness over the gruesome rape and murder of a 5-year-old girl in Vasco.
Fernandes also stated that Goans are disgusted by the state being labelled as the 'drug capital of India' due to the ease with which the illegal drug business is flourishing.
Finally, Fernandes addressed the environmental concerns, stating that Goa is suffering as the state is being converted into a coal hub via the double-tracking works. He added that this is being done to aid a capitalist allegedly close to the Central government, who secured a large loan from a public sector bank to mine coal in Australia, which is being routed through Goa, causing heavy coal pollution.
He warned that this 'black' pollution would cripple Goa's tourism industry.
The meeting concluded with all the leaders of the INDIA bloc raising their hands together, vowing to stay united in their campaign against the BJP for the parliamentary elections.
