MARGAO: To celebrate the first anniversary of the Bharat Jodo Yatra, the Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) organised a spirited padyatra (march) in Margao on Thursday evening. The event commenced at Sirvodem, near the Railway overbridge and culminated at Lohia Maidan, where a public meeting was held.
“Thousands walked alongside Rahul Gandhi from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, to defuse the nation’s skies filled with clouds of hatred. The message was one of love and brotherhood for all Indians, and respect for India’s diversity,” said Yuri Alemao, Leader of Opposition.
In his address, Alemao criticised the local BJP government for dwelling on past issues with the intent to incite communal tensions. He pointed out various failures, including environmental destruction, deteriorating law and order, and concerns about the safety of women in the State.
Citing the recent amendments to the Town & Country Planning Act, Transfer of Agricultural Lands Act, the working of Tourism Department, the clearances of the Investment Promotion Board, Alemao raised apprehensions that by the end of 2024, the BJP government would complete the alienation of Goa’s land.
Regarding the declaration of the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary as a Tiger Reserve, Alemao criticised the government’s actions, which appear to favour neighboring Karnataka and the land mafia. He condemned the use of public funds to hire high-profile lawyers for anti-Goan activities.
Alemao also commented on the controversy surrounding the term ‘Bharat’ and urged people to rise above petty politics. He led the crowd in chants of ‘Bharat Jodo, India Jitao’ (Unite India, make India victorious).
Addressing the concept of ‘One Nation, One Election’, Alemao believed it was an attempt to divert attention from the proximity between Narendra Modi and corporate giants like Adani and Ambani. As the LoP in Goa, Alemao pledged his commitment to forging unity among opposition parties and expressed readiness to make necessary sacrifices. He stressed the importance of collective effort, highlighting that a one-person army cannot defeat the BJP.
