MARGAO: Margao’s historic Lohia Maidan is all set to host the protest meeting opposing the inclusion of villages in the PDAs on Friday (April 27) as Goencho Awaaz expects a massive crowd.
However, Goencho Awaaz maintains that its strategy for the meeting will be completely apolitical and straight for the cause of Goa.
Goencho Awaaz Convenor Capt Viriato Fernandes informed Herald that initially they had over 15 speakers lined up for the meeting but as of now the same has been reduced to seven.
Having informed all the people, who wish to attend the meet, Capt Viriato, however, called upon the people against getting elderly persons for the meet as there may be no place to sit. At the same time, he thanked the senior citizens for showing enthusiasm to attend the meeting.
Goencho Awaaz has sent mails and letters to all 40 MLAs and leaders across Goa to attend the meet and received a positive feedback from two MLAs, who have expressed their willingness to attend the meet.
It is learnt that at least 2,000 people from North Goa are expected for the meeting. The organisers however have lost the count in South on account of the massive down the line awareness on the meeting, which may result in a huge turnout.
Meanwhile, anti-PDA groups have been formed in North Goa including those from Calangute, Candolim and St Cruz will be going to Margao early morning to join the rally.
Pamphlets seeking large scale people’s participation for the rally were distributed in Merces.
Meanwhile, Capt Viriato has informed the general public that this fight is not one against the TCP Minister Vijai Sardesai, but a fight to protect the state, the Goans deserve.
He said, “TCP Minister Vijai or his fellowmen have missed the plot. The meeting was and never will be against a person but is against the wrong system. If Vijai scraps the RP 2021 and makes efforts to have a new plan with people’s participation, he is going to be a winner forever”.
However, he alleged that the coalition partners of Vijai are taking advantage of the situation by keeping mum on the issue.
Capt Viriato informed that the statement of the Congress outgoing GPCC chief for not backing the meeting or the cause has done a lot of damage to the party.
“There have been people who have been calling me and saying that Congress has done a huge mistake by not supporting the meet and if it continues this way, it will never win back the trust of the people” he added.
