PANJIM: Aam Aadmi Party observed a days’ fast and volunteers gathered to hold what was called a “People’s Assembly.” AAP said that it was a protest against legislators abandoning the Assembly Session.
Led by Party Leader Valmiki Naik several volunteers sat on a day long fast which ended at 5 PM with a young boy serving fruits to the protestors in the presence of AAP Convener Elvis Gomes, General Secretary Pradeep Padgaonkar amongst others.
Speaking to media, Elvis Gomes charged the government of having sabotaged a functional democracy and termed the abrupt closure of the entire assembly session within few hours as a detestable act having no parallel in the history of democratic functioning in Goa. He said that the governor to whom the party had written to withhold assent should ask his conscience whether the conduct of the government was not suggesting an escape from public scrutiny for their misdeeds. “History will not forgive them for stabbing the people in the back, particularly the youth who are troubled by Mollem destruction” said Gomes pointing out to the youngsters gathered at the venue.
Valmiki Naik said that issues of Goa deserve a proper discussion, and the members of the house cannot just abandon their responsibilities. “What we are seeing is a connivance of both the ruling party and opposition MLAs in this dereliction of their duties.
The Truth of Goa is that there is no Opposition and Govt. They are all One” said Valmiki Naik adding that while the BJP Govt has been a failure on many fronts, Covid Handling, IIT project, Electricity bill issue, Mollem Sanctuary were among several issues that people wanted to see them act on. He said democracy was in danger unless the people of Goa saw the exit of these legislators.
Pradeep Padgaonkar concluded by stating that “Bivpachi garaz asa” making a reference to the now famous quote of the CM “Bivpachi garaz na” and calling upon the governor to take over by imposing presidents rule in the state.
Several volunteers spoke on various issues plaguing the state and demanded to know who will be answering them.
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