Team Herald
PANJIM: Stating that the Congress is a “rising phoenix”, Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) President Luizinho Faleiro expressed confidence of gaining a clear majority these elections by winning 23 to 25 seats.
Thanking the people of Goa for reposing faith and trust in the Congress, he said the party’s election manifesto would be ‘living testimony’ to the people of Goa.
Addressing media persons on Monday, Faleiro said that despite the “political tricks” adopted by the BJP by way of pouring in crores of rupees or by trying to divide the votes through proxy candidates, Congress saw a strong wave in its favour. He alleged that the money was sourced from casinos and other trades
“There was a strong wave in favour of the Congress and it was evident through people’s response during the door-to-door campaign. Our conservative estimate says we will win 23 seats, however, the last three-four days of campaign saw massive support to the party. Based on that we now feel the party will win 24 to 25 seats,” Faleiro said, adding that he would win with a huge margin in Navelim constituency.
Faleiro said that the party is thankful to the people of Goa for reposing faith in the Congress this election and assured to honour every word mentioned in the election manifesto. “Congress party is a rising phoenix. Now we will ensure that our movement to build and consolidate the party in all 40 blocks takes a giant step. Congress in future will be a cadre based party,” he said.
“When I took over the party in October 2014, I could see there was a lot of gloom. Congress workers had lost confidence, our frontal organisations were in bad shape, it pained me to see the Congress situation in Goa,” the former chief minister said.
“However, today when I see our party organisation, I feel proud. We not only built the party but the Congress workers stood like rock behind the party during elections. People reposing faith in the party is a victory of Congressmen, who worked hard to strengthen the party base,” he added.
Stating that the idea behind introducing 60 percent new faces in the election was to allow governance to be run by new and clean faces, Faleiro said that the new Congress government would give people a clean State. “Party will not tolerate any corruption. We will deliver time bound services. If anyone is found indulging in corruption, immediate and stringent action will be initiated,” he said.
Asked whether he is going to be party’s Chief Minister face, Falerio, without denying this said, “I am a loyal solider of the party and have been working as per party leadership wishes.”
Congress fielded 37 candidates in the election, and backed three others. The PCC has called all candidates for a meeting on Tuesday to retrospect on their performance and hear what they have to say on their winning chances.
