Team Goemkarponn
Xeldem: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal launched a sharp attack on the Pramod Sawant-led BJP government while addressing a large public meeting in Xeldem in support of AAP’s Zilla Panchayat candidate James Fernandes. The meeting witnessed a massive turnout, reflecting strong public support for AAP and its candidate in the constituency.
Kejriwal alleged that the BJP government in Goa was functioning as a “hafta vasoli sarkar,” claiming that no work was carried out without bribes or extortion. Referring to the Arpora nightclub incident, he said establishments lacking permissions were allowed to operate due to alleged collection of hafta, leading to corruption and misgovernance. He further alleged that criminals were openly threatening people, party workers and ordinary Goans, and questioned whether Goa was the BJP’s personal property, asserting that the state belongs to its people.
Calling upon Goans to rise against what he described as “gundaraj,” Kejriwal appealed to voters to defeat the BJP to restore peace, safety and dignity in the state. He said the AAP was not afraid of intimidation and would continue to stand firmly with the people of Goa.
The public meeting was attended by senior AAP leaders including AAP Goa in-charge Atishi, state president Adv. Amit Palekar, MLA Capt. Venzy Viegas, working president Gerson Gomes, vice president Roque Mascarenhas and general secretary (campaign) Sandesh Teleikar Dessai. Zilla Panchayat candidates Tejaswini Gaonkar (Rivona), Sanjivani Velip (Barcem) and Shashikant Velip (Darbondem), along with party workers and supporters, were also present.
Addressing the gathering, MLA Capt. Venzy Viegas praised James Fernandes for his grassroots work, stating that he had stood with the people during times of injustice, poor roads and crime-related issues. He said the people of Xeldem must now support Fernandes in return, adding that Goa needs leaders who listen to citizens rather than exploit them.
AAP state president Adv. Amit Palekar said the BJP government’s failure was evident from the increasing incidents of wild animals entering villages, which he described as a collapse of environmental governance. He asserted that defeating the BJP was essential to protect Goa’s environment and future, and said the party feared AAP for exposing corruption.
Zilla Panchayat candidate James Fernandes thanked the party leadership and supporters, stating that his fight was for justice, dignity and safety for the people of Xeldem. He said he was contesting not merely as a politician, but as a local resident determined to address long-ignored issues affecting the constituency.
