Team Herald

PANJIM: The Congress has come down heavily on Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) State president Sadanand Shet Tanavade for his statement downplaying opposition strength for next Lok Sabha elections when 67 per cent Goans are against BJP and that the Pramod Sawant led government is full of defectors.

Reacting to BJP retaining two Zilla Panchayat (ZP) seats in by-election, Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) president Amit Patkar said that there is nothing for BJP to celebrate. “If Tanavade is so confident about double engine government’s so called development, why he did not show guts to ask eight defected MLAs to resign and contest on BJP symbol? Why he did not tell candidate in Cortalim to contest on lotus symbol or why she was not fielded as a party candidate?” he questioned.

“I appeal to Sadanand Tanavade to show his arrogance with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and compel him to give 50,000 jobs to the deserving unemployed youths of Goa as promised by BJP. He should show his power and ensure that government releases monthly doles social welfare beneficiaries in time. He should use his rudeness with the corrupt ministers and put an end to ‘Mission Commission’ of BJP government,” demanded Patkar.

He further said that it is clear that BJP leadership has become arrogant after the defections of eight MLAs. It is unfortunate that Tanavade feels that ZP by-poll results are endorsement to the defections. He should remember that defectors have not only betrayed Goans but have also defied God.

“BJP in Goa ever since coming to power have always tried to suppress the voice of the people. The double engine government is all out to destroy Goa and people will teach them a lesson,” Patkar stated.