Team Herald
PANJIM: Hours after the Supreme Court issued notices to the Centre and Election Commission of India (ECI) against “irrational” freebies promised from public funds by political parties, the Congress demanded freezing of the election symbol of All India Trinamool Congress Party (AITMC) for hoodwinking the people of Goa by announcing freebies.
Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) general secretary Sunil Kawthankar on Tuesday said the Goa TMC is promising freebies to the people when the State government won’t be in any condition to deliver. The State coffers are running dry, he said, while referring to the responses sought by the Apex Court from the Union government and the ECI on the continued acts of political parties promising freebies using public funds.
Hitting out at political parties for trying to give false promises to voters, Kawthankar said, “TMC has promised Rs 20 lakh credit to youth, financial aid to women and unemployment doles. These schemes will require more than Rs one lakh crore funds. From where will TMC bring these funds?” he asked.
Kawthankar said TMC promised things which can’t be afforded. “At present they are ready to bring down swarg (heaven), taare (stars) and chandra (moon). But is it possible?” he asked.
TMC has not only hoodwinked people of Goa but also leaders who joined them. Yuva Credit Card will require Rs one lakh crore for implementation. Do we have such revenue collection and generation?” he further asked.
The GPCC general secretary charged that TMC is trying to divide votes and demanded freezing of the political symbols of TMC and others, who give false promises.
Panjim Congress candidate Elvis Gomes said it is good that the Supreme Court has taken serious note of such freebies by political parties. “Everything should have a base. Our State financial conditions are the worst. Such schemes are not viable here,” he said.
Stating that Congress believes in practical and viable things, Gomes said, “We have got guidance from former Finance Minister P Chidambaram, who is of the opinion that we should promise things which can be deliverable.”
