PANJIM, SEPT 8
The battle of words today continued with the Goa Pradesh Youth Congress President Sankalp Amonkar today targeting Civil Supplies Minister Jose Philipe D’Souza and NCP spokesperson Trajano D’Mello.
Addressing a press conference at the Congress House, Amonkar refuted all allegations made by the NCP yesterday.
Reacting to charges made by the NCP, he said, “The Congress is the oldest party and like a father to the NCP. The NCP should not try and teach its father what to do.”
On the charges, he said, “I have handed over the flood relief money of Rs 10.38 lakh to the GPCC. It was the GPYC which worked for the people of Canacona and we did not go to media to get publicity for the work.”
“We witnessed death there and we had a close shave with death dying once, he said adding “but we feel sad since despite doing so much, some people are levelling such charges against us”.
On Trajano’s allegations, he said, “What is the credibility of that man who has never been elected as panch or councillor. He is only known for negative thinking.”
“These people don’t know how many parties they have changed. During the Lok Sabha election Trajano did not even help his party (NCP’s) candidate Jitendera Deshprabhu whereas the GPYC worked whole-heartedly for him,” he claimed.
He also refuted claims that he took money from vegetable vendors to celebrate his birthday saying “tell him to bring one vendor and I will resign from politics.”
About contesting elections from Vasco, he said, “If my party wants me to I will surely do so.”
Further, he charged Vasco MLA and Civil Supplies Minister Jose Philip of corruption in the distribution of essential commodities under PDS.
“Everybody knows what Jose Philip was 15 years ago and what he is now,” he said.
“This person has been involved in corruption from PDS scheme to job recruitment and also issuing illegal ration cards,” Amonkar charged.
On drugs, Amonkar said that he has always backed the NSUI President Sunil Kauthankar, who has taken up the issue. “We have extended our support to NSUI on the issue,” he said.
When Congress spokesperson N Shivdas was asked to comment on drugs issue, he simply said, “I have been asked by the president not to speak on the matter.”
