Team Herald
PANJIM: While no one in the BJP is actually saying this, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is actually arriving as an oxygen cylinder to breathe life into the hopes of some of the shaky seats of the party. They all wait to hear the magic words to the effect that a BJP government in Goa will be blessed in abundance and looked after by the centre, for a ripple effect in their constituencies.
Meanwhile there will be more than a passing interest to see if knowing of the Prime Minister touches upon the contentious subject of who the next Chief Minister of Goa will be, because ultimately the decision boils down to him.
Modi will address a mega BJP rally on SAG grounds, at Campal on Saturday.
The rally which was initially slated for 4.30 pm will now begin at 3.30 pm due to security and other issues, South Goa MP Narendra Sawaikar said. “We are expecting a huge gathering though we cannot ascertain the number,” he said.
Sawaikar said that supporters will come on their own, and no transport would be provided. “Goa has been lucky for PM Modi and he has mentioned this in his speeches many times,” he said.
Sawaikar said that the party’s manifesto which was scheduled to be released on January 27 has been postponed by two days. “Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will release the manifesto on Sunday,” Sawaikar said.
Terming the Congress manifesto for the Assembly elections as illogical, Sawaikar said the manifesto was drafted without application of mind. “The promise of increasing Griha Adhar from Rs 1500 to Rs 5000 is impractical as the cost will run to nearly Rs 800 cr every year, which the State cannot bear,” he said.
On the Congress’ promise on casinos, Sawaikar said, “I do not know how much the people will now trust them as they have fathered casinos in Goa.”
