TEAM HERALD
teamherald@herald-goa.com
CANACONA: At a well attended meeting in the Canaconna constituency, the crowd was in full attendance to hear the Congress Candiate Reginaldo Lourenco and the bandwagon of leaders that were present on the stage. The dais was well seated by Candidate Reginaldo Lourenco, Independent MLA Vijai Sardesai, ex MLA of Canaconna Isidore Fernandes, MP Rajya Sabha Shantaram Naik, GPCC chief John Fernandes, Leader of Opposition Pratapsingh Rane, Chairperson of Canaconna Municipality Mahadeo Naik, ZP member Daya Pagi, Ex MLA Subhash Shirodkar, GPCC member Moti Dessai and various other elected members from the constituency.
Speaking at the gathering Vijai Sardesai said that the upcoming Lok Sabha polls will be a referendum on the BJP govt. He alleged that all the ‘Kar’s’ of the state government, Parulekar, Mandrekar, Arlekar, Parsekar and Parrikar are enmeshed in scams that are unprecedented in Goan history, has brought a bad name to the state of Goa. Sardesai said that the collapse of an illegal building is a manifestation of the scams of the state government. He further said that only the Goan officials were selectively targeted and punished whereas the non-Goan builder was allowed to go scot free. He said that this type of crooked justice needs to be corrected. Sardesai reminded that Canaconna was the place that produced most of the freedom fighters, but is presently living in the fear of political backlash of if they voice their demands. He said that this gives a feeling that Goa is turning into a Bihar and Canconnkars should not forget their pride and show the true spirit of the land. He further stated that all those who benefitted from the UTTA movement were the same people who denied their UTTA brethren permission to organise a public meeting. Such U-turns of the Parivartan regime on MoI, Mopa, Regional plan and casinos, on transparency in public life, and all the manifestations of arrogance should be given a befitting reply this Lok Sabha election and should vote out the BJP.
Speaking to his home crowd in full enthusiasm on the dais was local boy Prashant Naik who was welcomed to a roar from the crowd. Naik said that in this election there is no other choice than Reginaldo. He said that the selective targeting of local people in the Ruby complex collapse case was not right. Outsiders were allowed to run away from the State, while Goans were punished for their crimes. This shows the character of the State government, if they cannot protect their own then what good are they to the State?
He complained that such shady investigation should not be tolerated and that a proper investigation should be carried out and non-Goan culprits should be brought to book. Naik concluded saying that people have seen the misrule of the government for the past few years and should demonstrate their dissent and vote against the BJP.
Congress candidate Reginaldo Lourenco said he was thankful to the people of Canaconna for their massive participation and said he was honoured by their presence. He explained to the crowd how he had not lobbied for the ticket but was given the ticket only for his performance in the Assembly. He explained the manifesto that was launched earlier during the day and spoke of all the points in the agenda for the people of South Goa. He said the manifesto was tailor made to take up the issues of the people of Goa and not fake promises. He explained to the people that he will not give false assurances that he will do work, but in actuality will fulfil all the problems he promised in the manifesto.
Other member s who spoke at the meeting were ex MLA Isidore Fernandes, MP of Rajya Sabha Shantaram Naik, GPCC chief John Fernandes and Leader of opposition Pratapsing Rane.
, ZP member Daya Pagi, Canconna Chairperson Mahadeo Gaonkar and others.
