Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra arrived in Goa’s Dabolim Airport, Monday afternoon, on a day’s visit. When asked about her expectations from Goa, on her touchdown, she told a reporter that she has high expectations that the Congress will win in Goa.
After offering condolences to the family of former PCC President and first woman sarpanch late Irene Barros, Priyanka addressed an public meeting at Nuvem, from where Congress Candidate and former Minister Aleixo Sequeira is contesting.
Recalling her family ties with Goa, Priyanka said, “My grandmother gave Goa the referendum (The Opinion Poll) the first in the history of India, to ask Goans if they wanted to be merged with Maharashtra or be a separate Union Territory. It’s with the same respect for your dignity that the Congress wants to hand Goa back to Goans,” Priyanka said.
In her Nuvem speech in English, Priyanka pointed to the job scams, people getting beaten up during Goa mukti diwas, the destructions of heritage structures and heritage in Goa. She highlighted the 24% rise in crimes against women in Goa under the BJP Govt. She also expressed alarm at a minister blaming the woman in a rape case. The Congress in its Goa manifesto has outlined policies for women, she stated.
Priyanka promised 30% govt jobs for women, working women’s hostels in Margao and Panjim, more women police stations and that all SHGs (self helpgroups) will get support of Rs 1 lakh. Rs 6000 would be give to the weakest families under the Nyaya scheme. She also assured that if Congress comes to power Rs 500 crore of the budget would be spent towards employment generation.
Priyanka said stakeholders in the tourism sector would be taken into confidence. She promised that after Congress comes to power in Goa, fuel prices would not be allowed to cross Rs 80 per litre and if it does, fuel would be subsidised. She also made a strong commitment to preserve the environment and heritage of Goa.
The Congress will come out with policies for buying land, for tourism, environment and a policy against the movement of coal, where today the BJP govt has made special provisions for its industrialist friends.
Winding up her speech in Nuvem, Priyanka assured to provide a stable govt which works for Goa. “It is most important for the people of Goa to know where their state is heading. This is an extremely important election. Congress will provide a govt that accepts and understand the people of Goa. We also pledge that the promises made in the Congress manifesto will be delivered,” Priyanka concluded.
