Team Herald
MARGAO: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Goa unit launched a massive membership/volunteer drive and door-to-door campaign, followed by a rally in Benaulim on Monday. This comes on the heels of its all-Goa ‘storming’ activity, which comprises of door-to-door campaigns, membership and volunteer drives, and creating a database of prominent people in every constituency.
The first activity in Salcete, the Benaulim awareness campaign, earned us over 360 members and 28 volunteers only in Benaulim. Simultaneously, door-to-door visits are happening at Seraulim, Colva and Cavelossim under the local coordinator Cruz Cardozo, president of Goa Shack Owners’ Association. Cruz was officially invited by volunteer chief Ram Kankonkar into the party. A billboard of AAP is being installed at his residence,” said Rajeshree Nagarsekar, AAP Goa convenor who is spearheading the movement.
She added, “A number of local activists and social groups have pledged their support to AAP and a formal program to announce the same will be held in Benaulim in the first week of December..
A tent was put up opposite Maria Hall, Benaulim for receiving feedback, membership and volunteer forms during the entire day. Many enthusiastic villagers and tourists flocked to the tent to pick up AAP topis (caps), and by evening, one could see many people wearing them. A demonstration of AAP’s objectives and Remo’s jingle for the party was an added attraction.
“It is pertinent to note that in the last parliament elections, AAP Goa had fetched the highest number of votes, crossing about 1,500 from Benaulim constituency alone out of the 11,000 votes it garnered through South Goa. The door-to-door campaign is in full swing, and the target is to reach every household,” said Rajashree.
She also pointed out that during their campaign, they spoke with foreign nationals about how tourism has been affected due to rampant corruption and fleecing of foreigners by local businessmen and government authorities. She said, “This association with foreigners at Benaulim was part of the rally. They talk openly against corruption as they too are hugely affected.”
Rajashree added that a dedicated team of IT professionals and youth leaders who have proved themselves successfully in the Delhi elections are in Goa to train volunteers and create a database of the members.
