MARGAO
The Congress commemorated the first anniversary of the Bharat Jodo Yatra on Thursday with an impressive rally at the historic Lohia Maidan with party leaders slamming the ruling BJP for dividing the people on communal lines to remain in power.
Addressing the gathering, Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao hit out at the local BJP government for raking up dead issues with intent to incite communal passions, as he castigated that the government has turned arrogant on critical issues facing Goa.
He pointed out that thousands walked along with Rahul Gandhi from Kanyakumari to Kashmir to defuse the nation’s skies filled with clouds of hatred with the message of love and brotherhood of all Indians and assuring all that India respects diversity.
Yuri listed out the failures of the government ranging from destruction of forests and environment to the deterioration of law and order which has made Goa unsafe for all and specially women.
Speaking on 2024 polls, Yuri exuded confidence of entire Opposition emerging as an united force to defeat the BJP. “As the Leader of the Opposition in Goa, I will leave no stone unturned to forge unity. I am prepared to make sacrifices as and when required for unity of opposition forces,” he said.
In his address, GPCC chief Amit Patkar urged the BJP leader not to do politics on Shivaji Maharaj. “I am a Hindu and I respect Shivaji Maharaj, but one should not do politics on Shivaji,” he said.
South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha said Union government’s decision to hold the special session of Parliament during Ganesh Chathurti is an insult to the Hindu brethren.
Ex-GPCC chief Girish Chodankar said the Bharat Jodo Yatra by Rahul Gandhi has united the people of the country. He said while the BJP national leadership is dividing the country, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant is working on a similar plan to divide the people of Goa.
In his address, Capt Viriato Fernandes said the BJP is rattled by the success of the INDIA opposition alliance.
