Panaji, May 21 : Leader of Opposition Digambar Kamat Today alleged that former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi gave Goa statehood but Bharatiya Janata Party reduced it to union territory.
Speaking on the occasison of death anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi at South Goa District Congress Office, he said,”Our former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi gave us statehood. He always encouraged federal structure and encouraged local self bodies. BJP Government in last seven years has reduced Goa into an Union Territory.”
GPCC President Girish Chodankar, Mahila Congress President Beena Naik, SGDCC President Joe Dias, General Secretary Subhash Faldessai, Secretary Damodar Shirodkar, Peter Gomes, Adv Yeman D’Souza, Arch Royla Fernandes and others were also present.
He said it was most unfortunate that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi ignored Goa during his aerial survey on Wednesday. Y
”Yesterday, he did not include Goa in his meeting with District Magistrates. This clearly exposes that BJP Government is least bothered about pains and hardships of Goans. Goa is highest in Covid positivity rate at the nation level. We made headlines for all the wrong reasons after death of 74 patients due to lack on oxygen. We have the lowest testing and vaccination rate. It was the duty of the Prime Minister to include Goa in his meeting. Besides Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and some other States, even District Magistrate of Puducherry was invited for the meeting,” he pointed out.
He alleged that after coming to power in 2014, the Central Government had always given step motherly treatment to Goa.
”Goa’s interest was compromised on Mhadei. Government has kept on postponing Mining resumption. BJP Government is all out to destroy Identity of Goa by converting Goa into a Coal Hub and pushing for the three linear projects for benefit of Crony Club. Goans were not allowed to participate in public hearings of draft GCZMP,” he alleged.
”Congress Governments at the Centre always had sympathetic approach towards Goa. Former PM Rajiv Gandhi will always be remembered for giving Statehood to Goa. Konkani was made the Official Language and included in the eighth schedule of the Constitution with strong support from late Rajiv Gandhi. We will always remain indebted to him. It is sad that today the BJP Government in Goa has no say at the Centre. This governments remote control is in Delhi. We are made to suffer time and again,” the former Chief Minister said.
Goa Congress President Girish Chodankar paying his respects said Congress Party was observing the day as Service to Humanity.
”Former PM Rajiv Gandhi always encouraged federal system and promoted local self bodies in administration. Today, when the present Government is struggling hard to continue with covid vaccination, Nation is missing Rajiv Gandhi who had a vision to accomplish his mission,” he said.
Mahila Congress President Beena Naik said that Mahila Congress would distribute essential items to various needy women across the State to observe the day.
South Goa District Congress Committee (SGDCC) President Joe Dias said all the 20 blocks in entire South Goa were observing this day by helping people who were facing challenges due to Covid Pandemic and Cyclone.
He said South Goa District Congress members were visiting various areas to extend helping hand to people.
Earlier, all the Congress functionaries paid floral tributes at the potrait of late Rajiv Gandhi to mark his martyrdom day.(UNI)