Mapusa: Kicking off his Mandrem campaign for the forthcoming state assembly elections, scheduled next year, Goa Forward Party (GFP) leader Vijai Sardesai on Sunday said the possibility of an early election in November cannot be ruled out.
Sardesai, who was interacting with media persons, said his party is in a hurry for an alliance, as “we have to form a government in 2022 and not in 2027.” “Possibility of an early election in November cannot be ruled out,” he said.
Candidate of GFP Deepak Kalangutkar and other workers from Parsem were present on the occasion. Leaders of the party started the campaign in Mandrem after seeking blessings of the deity at Shri Bhagwati Temple.
Criticising the manner in which MLA Dayanand Sopte has managed the Mandrem constituency, Sardesai said, “Now to save Goa and to secure land for bhumiputras, there is a need to keep BJP away from power for which unity (among the opposition) is required. We (Goa Forward) have been raising issues, and those who come from the grassroots level and have been working for the people must be given a chance.”
Hitting out at the BJP government, Sardesai said Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has been borrowing Rs 300 crore to run the state of which Rs 250 crore is being spent on salaries. “There is no capital expenditure, everything is revenue expenditure. He does not understand, so he is not ready to face us in the assembly,” said Sardesai.
Replying to a question on whether Kalangutkar will still be a candidate in Mandrem if GFP forms an alliance, Sardesai said in case his party forms an alliance with Congress party, “we will be asking for few seats where our candidates can win.” “Party will work to get him (Kalangutkar) elected from Mandrem and no compromise will be made,” he said.
Commenting on the proposed gaming zone at Mopa, Sardesai said there is no need for one. “Many states are anxiously waiting for the gaming zone in Goa to move out. They have passed legislations to have land casinos. Now moving the offshore casinos from River Mandovi will affect the economy in the current pandemic situation,” said Sardesai.