PANJIM: Urging party ‘karyakartas’ not to worry over the entry of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Goa, Union Minister and BJP Goa desk in-charge Nitin Gadkari on Friday claimed that AAP will ensure a “Congress-mukt” Goa and a BJP victory.
Addressing media persons after meeting BJP Ministers, MLAs and State Executive Committee members, Gadkari, endorsed opposition claims that AAP’s entry in Goa will be a big advantage for BJP.
“Soon after being appointed the Goa desk-in-charge, I decided to conduct a survey of party Ministers and MLAs. Based on the preliminary report I have told my people that AAP entry into Goa is good and useful to us. Out of ten votes, if they eat away two of our votes, they will eat eight votes of Congress,” Gadkari said, adding, “I wish them well, as they will help us win.”
Amidst speculation of Congress MLAs approaching MGP for greener pasture, Gadkari, on Friday claimed that several Congress leaders in the State are desperately trying to join the party.
“There is large scale unhappiness in Congress. Some Goa leaders were in touch with me expressing their desire to join the party,” Gadkari said. “Manohar Parrikar and Laxmikant Parsekar will take a decision on their proposal to join the party,” he added.
Responding to a question on whether the Goa polls will boost PM Narendra Modi’s dream of Congress Mukt India, Gadkari said, “AAP along with present Congress leadership will play a great role in fulfilling the dream.”
The Union Minister said ‘Congress Mukt Bharat’ was a dream of the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi. “Mahatma Gandhi had a dream that the Congress should be dissolved afterIindependence. He wanted Congress Mukt Bharat. There are several of his disciples now busy fulfilling his dream. Congressmen in Goa by fighting amongst themselves are also contributing towards it,” Gadkari said.
