FATORDA: Referring to political defections in Goa as a curse that must be ended forthwith and forever, Goa Forward party (GFP) president and sitting MLA of Fatorda Vijai Sardesai said that a majority in the Assembly for the Congress-GFP alliance is the sure fire way of ending defections. “It’s startling that if you look closely at the BJP panel, 15 of their candidates are known defectors, and 2 belong to family of defectors! That’s close to 50%, unheard of perhaps for any political party in India”,” said Sardesai, addressing a corner meeting in Ward 9, along with Margao Municipal Chairperson Lyndon Pereira, Councillor Raju Naik and GFP Vice President Ashma Sayed.
“While the party with a ‘difference’ have given tickets to almost 65% of old faces, 75% of the alliance candidates are fresh faces, remarkable perhaps for any party in the history of elections, and when elected, would be first time MLAs,” said Sardesai.
“BJP has always been excellent at engineering defections after the polls but they have gained much expertise in managing defections before the polls also”, said Sardesai accusing the party for creating toxic situation with their apparently underhand activities.
“A full majority for the alliance will mean an end to all chances of party hopping done for personal development at the cost of people’s development, and offer a stable government,” said Sardesai.
“Congress is cleansed in a way the BJP and we’re determined as a party and as an alliance partner to make sure that we rid our state of the menace of defection,” said Sardesai.
He stressed the need for Goans to reject the party of habitual defectors and old wines in old bottles who have fooled the people with the excuse of development as the reason for their betrayals.
Sardesai cites Mandrem as an example where the sitting MLA had defected from the Congress promising development. “Not only has no-development happened there, mafia like activities including land grabbing and corruption has put the people in distress and in fear,” said Sardesai.
“A fractured mandate will not only make the BJP happy so that they can put their traditional skills to use but also give an opportunity to the selfish, certified defectors to raise their head and hold Goa to ransom.”
“Everywhere you go, people are disgusted with these defections and want it to end,” said Sardesai. Sardesai expressed confidence that the people of Goa will understand the need for a majority in the Assembly to end this, and give an overwhelming mandate for Congress-GFP candidates and put their fears to rest.
