PANJIM: The ‘We Ponjekar’ panel released their manifesto on Wednesday, emphasising that their common desire to improve Panjim got them to leave their political affiliations aside and unite for the upcoming elections of the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP).
Valmiki Naik, who is an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former Panjim Mayor Surendra Furtado, who is a Congressman underlined the fact that they and members of other parties including that of the BJP have joined hands to address the issues that CCP has ignored.
He stated that the grievances of the local residents have been sidelined as Panjim MLA Atanasio Babush Monserrate has been doing less work and more politics and that the same can be said about the BJP’s panel. He sarcastically added that it should be called ‘Babush Jennifer Party’ (after the Panjim MLA and Taleigao MLA Jennifer Monserrate).
‘We Ponjekar’ incidentally began their media briefing by offering floral tributes to the former Chief Minister and former Panjim MLA (late) Manohar Parrikar. Valmiki said BJP workers that had worked for Parrikar for two decades are disillusioned with Babush at the reins.
Surendra Furtado also pointed out that there are 2,000 BJP workers who are supporting their panel
Furtado however reiterated that this election is not being fought on party lines when asked to comment about Congress support for their candidates.
Furtado then listed out the major highlights of their manifesto such as 50% reduction of house tax, no signboard tax, free parking for voters of CCP via an app, implementation of measures to reduce traffic congestion, 24/7 bus service, forming a ‘Clean Panaji task force and creation of neighbourhood health clinics providing free healthcare.
The veteran corporator claimed that the panel, once elected, will need one month’s time to execute these promises. He highlighted traffic problems in particular such as the non-availability of parking for residents of Sao Tome and Fontainhas due to the casino traffic. He also stressed on how CCP can generate additional revenue and utilise funds in a better way, including the grants of the 15th finance commission.
Responding to a query Furtado said he was in favour of the counting of CCP polls to happen on the scheduled date as opposed to it being postponed.
Valmiki also appealed to the public, especially the youth not to fall for the false promises of BJP such as government jobs and felt that the government will soon be dissolved in a few months after the disqualification of 12 MLAs.
“Goa is at a crucial junction. It’s time for all the good people from BJP, Congress, AAP and other regional parties unite and give Goans a genuine option of a non-corrupt alternative,” said Valmiki. Furtado further predicted that once their panel wins, their result will have a bearing on the rest of the State.
