MARGAO: The victory of the INDIA Bloc candidate, Capt Viriato Fernandes, in the South Goa Lok Sabha election on Tuesday sparked jubilation among the workers of the Congress and alliance parties.
On Tuesday, at the counting centre located at Damodar College in Margao, a scene of jubilation unfolded as several political leaders from the Congress and their alliance partners, along with a large number of workers, celebrated the victory of Captain Viriato Fernandes. There was excitement and enthusiasm as supporters rejoiced in the triumph of their candidate.
The Congress workers interpreted the election results as a reflection of the sentiment of the South Goa electorate towards the BJP-led state government under Chief Minister Sawant’s leadership.
They pointed out that Chief Minister Pramod Sawant heavily campaigned in the South, attempting to downplay opposition to various infrastructure projects. However, the outcome of the elections suggests that people’s power and unity prevailed over the mighty and machinery of the government.
Speaking to mediapersons, Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao said, “We were instrumental in keeping the Opposition united. The Congress leaders besides political leaders of INDIA alliance fought against the BJP government. The BJP tried to divide us and the Goans in the name of religion, but people have shown the doors to this divisive politics.”
Yuri Alemao extended his gratitude to the people of South Goa for their support and emphasised their collective stance against division along religious lines.
Alemao expressed confidence in his party’s prospects, declaring their intention to form the next government in Goa in 2027.
He went on to assert that they aim to secure over 30 seats in the next assembly elections in the State.
Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai said that the INDIA Bloc will give justice to the country and this alliance has been formed to do so. INDIA Bloc is to save the Constitution. There is no guarantee of this BJP government too.
“It is the victory of the people of South Goa. It is now very much clear that God is not with Margao MLA Digambar Kamat. This is a vote against defection and corruption. It is a big lesson to the government engaged in managing the media and corruption that seeks to destroy political parties and undermine the constitution,” he added.
Vijai said that this has now added responsibilities to the INDIA alliance to save Goa and will do it unitedly.
“With a staggering lead of 14,181 votes, we have set a new benchmark for electoral success for the INDIA Bloc in Goa. This victory is not mine alone; it belongs to every resident of Benaulim who dreams of a more prosperous future,” said Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas.
Amit Patkar, President, Goa Congress, said, “This is the victory of the South Goa people. Hard efforts of the INDIA bloc partners have seen the results today. This was a people’s election.”
He said that they had only MLA in the North and hence would not achieve the results like the South. The BJP government had used all government machinery against the INDIA Bloc.
The BJP government tried their level best to create division and confusion among the Congress and INDIA alliance leaders during the campaigning period. People power won against the money power in this election, said Altone D’Costa, Quepem MLA.
MLA Cruz Silva also reacted to the victory of Captain Viriato and thanked people of his constituency.
