Panaji: Congress’ North Goa candidate, if so powerful, would have defeated me in 1999, when he contested Lok Sabha polls as sitting Union Minister, said BJP’s North Goa candidate Shripad Naik on Sunday.

“He could not do it then and is dreaming of doing it now. Today’s condition of Congress is not hidden from anyone. Therefore, Congress should not daydream about defeating the BJP,” he said during his campaign in Panaji.

Naik started his day in Panaji by having breakfast at the renowned Cafe Bhosle. Later, he interacted with the citizens of the Boca de Vaca area.

Naik, who has been the North Goa BJP MP for 25 years and is contesting a sixth term, said that a comprehensive report detailing the numerous development initiatives spearheaded by him through the MPLAD funds will be presented to the public in the next few days.

Interacting with the youth of Mala, he said, “With India’s significant youth population, Prime Minister Narendra Modi envisions harnessing their potential for national development,” said Naik, adding that while previous governments prioritised self-interest over national development, Modi aims to change the paradigm.

Speaking about the contributions made by the youth of the country all through history, including their role in India›s freedom struggle and in the defence forces, Naik said it was time they united and contributed to the nation›s development.