PANJIM: Former Goa Industries Minister and two-term BJP MLA Mahadev Naik joined the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections in the presence of Delhi Power Minister Satyendar Jain and MLA Atishi Marlena, who is the party’s Goa in charge and Goa Convenor Rahul Mahambre in Delhi, on Friday.
Addressing the media persons after joining the party, Naik said, “The Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP was the only people-centric party currently.”
“The AAP did a phenomenal work when the second COVID-19 wave struck the State. The party provided relief to the people by providing rations, Oximeters etc. This is why day by day a large number of people are being attracted towards the AAP,” Naik said.
“Where was the BJP government when Goenkars were suffering during the Coronavirus pandemic? Only AAP was helping fellow Goenkars, by setting up oxygen checking kendras and going door to door to help check oxygen levels. When Goenkars were out of jobs it was the AAP not BJP that went door to door to provide rations to Goenkars,” said Naik.
The former BJP MLA joining the AAP comes at a time when AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal is gearing up for the Assembly elections in the State.
“Goans have become tired of the kind of politics in the State right now. Instead of investing in development, whether it is on schools, roads or healthcare is instead going into the pockets of politicians and being used to buy MLAs,” said AAP Spokesperson Atishi.
“Meanwhile Goans have seen the work that AAP is doing for people, this is why people both from the grassroots and a two-time MLA like Naik has joined AAP,” added Atishi.
“The Sawant sarkar has angered Goans. When asked for basic necessities like free power they straight away said they would not provide it. It is because of this anger and seeing the difference that the Kejriwal model makes that Naik has joined AAP today,” said AAP National leader Jain.
“It is increasingly becoming clear that AAP is the only alternative for Goans,” said Mhambre.
“Goans have seen that no one has stood by them during the tough times of Coronavirus pandemic. Goans are tired and no longer want the BJP or the Congress anymore,” added Mhambre.
