Team Herald
MARGAO: The Goa Forward Party has written to President of India Ram Nath Kovind requesting him to turn down the invitation as State’s chief guest for the 60th Liberation Day celebrations, as the government is spending Rs 100 crore while the State is facing economic crisis.
The GFP wrote to the President of India that while the State government has invited you as the chief guest this coming Saturday, December 19, to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Liberation Day by spending Rs 100 crore, the party requests you to spare a thought on what Goa is going through as you start your journey to arrive in Goa.
“I request you to remember our 710 fallen brethren who suffered and lost their lives to the disastrous COVID-19 pandemic. I request you to consider the numerous Goan employees and businesses, who continue to struggle to make ends meet, due to the lack of government support from your host Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant,” stated party president Vijai Sardesai in the letter.
“I request you (CM) to remember our environment which faces the risk of destruction and corporate greed, but most importantly I request you to remember our youth who stand at risk of being infected at their place of learning, and who risk unemployment and immense hardships in their near future,” he stated.
“As you are invited to be part of the official celebrations scheduled in your honour for our State liberation, I request you to kindly consider the enormous amount of money being spent on the Liberation Day celebrations at a time when our brethren Goenkars are struggling with personal finances and their livelihood,” pointed out Vijai.
“While Goa faces its social and economic challenges, our natural forests and its diverse living ecosystem stands in the face of destruction. Goans today are unified in their voice to Save Mollem, our unique biodiversity hotspot from the consequential decision of the government to permit railway double-tracking through our sacred forests, coal hub and Mhadei River issues,” Vijai wrote.
“Thus, in solidarity, with my Goan sisters and brother, the Goa Forward Party and I have excused our participation in the upcoming celebrations for Goa’s Liberation Day,” Vijai mentioned.
