PANJIM: Coming out in defence of Congress candidate for the Panjim by-poll election, Babush Monserrate, the women supporters retorted the BJP Mahila Morcha with the safe livelihood they enjoy in Taleigao.
Babush’s Mahila Mandal campaign chief, Shweta Lotlikar in a direct attack on the women corporator from the BJP in the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP), questioned how when the mahila morcha raises questions on safety of women if Babush is elected in Panjim, live in safety and peace in Taleigao.
“If they really feel unsafe and scared, we would like to know how many of them live with their families very safely in Taleigao for so many years. Even their block presidents live with their families in Taleigao and there have never been questions about their safety”, she stated.
Shweta was responding to the attacks on Babush by BJP Mahila Morcha who expressed concerns over the safety of women if Babush Monserrate became the MLA of Panjim as he was facing criminal charges including a case of rape of a minor.
Shweta questioned if the Mahila Morcha were questioning the wisdom of former chief minister late Manohar Parrikar who had inducted Babush in his cabinet in 2002 and later in 2017 also sought his support during the Panjim by-elections and subsequently was also made the chairman of Greater Panjim Planning and Development Authority (GPPDA).
She said, “People of Panjim are educated and they will not fall prey to such rumours and false allegations. The rumours that they are spreading are irrelevant. We have been living in Taleigao and Panjim and so are so many other women and girls and we have Babush’s backing and support. Regarding the cases that they speak, the law of the land is, a person is innocent until proven guilty. Babush is a pro-development man and we will support him.”
