Team Goemkarponn
MAPUSA: The Congress Party on Thursday announced that it would repeal Section 39-A on the very first day of forming the government in Goa and launch a statewide “Goem Rakhon Yatra” from September 22, while addressing a massive gathering at the JanKranti programme in Mapusa.
The rally was attended by AICC Goa In-Charge Manikrao Thakre, AICC Co-In-Charge Anjali Nimbalkar, GPCC President Girish Chodankar, Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao, MLAs Altone D’Costa and Carlos Alvares Ferreira, former MP Francisco Sardinha and several senior Congress leaders.
Addressing the gathering, Manikrao Thakre accused the BJP of focusing on elections rather than addressing public issues. He alleged that the party was attempting to divide people on religious lines and expressed confidence that voters would reject the BJP in future elections.
GPCC President Girish Chodankar alleged that the BJP government was eroding Goa’s identity through land-related policies and claimed that widespread protests across the state reflected public dissatisfaction. He asserted that decisions regarding Goa’s carrying capacity should be made by Goans and promised that a Congress government would repeal laws and provisions perceived as harmful to the state.
Chodankar also claimed that traditional businesses had increasingly moved out of local hands and pledged to create opportunities for Goan youth. He further criticized the government on law and order issues.
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao accused the BJP of misusing money and state machinery to weaken opposition parties and announced that the ‘Goem Rakhon Yatra’ would commence on September 22.
“We will reach out to people across Goa and explain how unemployment, land sales and attacks on democracy have affected the state,” Alemao said.
He also promised that a Congress government would introduce an 80 per cent reservation for local youth in the private sector.
AICC Co-In-Charge Anjali Nimbalkar highlighted rising inflation and appealed to voters to support Congress, promising economic reforms and better financial policies.
Congress leaders also reiterated commitments to generate employment, increase allocations to the health sector and address issues affecting Goa if voted to power.
