'Modi Government betrayed Goans, poor-middle class,' says Congress

Goa Congress on Tuesday asserted that the Modi government once again stands exposed on its Jumla annoucement with no mention of the 300 Crore Diamond Jubilee fund announced last year found in Action Taken report of last years budget.

Leader of Opposition Digambar Kamat said the budget has exposed the lie told to Goans by the BJP government both at the State and Center.

Addresing a press conference in Margao in the presence of Former Sanguem MLA Prasad Gaonkar and GPCC General Secretary Subhash Faldessai, Kamat said, =“The Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her speech on February 1st 2021, had said that Goa is celebrating the diamond jubilee year of the state’s liberation from Portuguese rule and hence she had proposed a grant of `300 crores to the Government of Goa for the celebrations. But our state never received this fund.”

Kamat also accused the government of betraying the salaried and middle classes, MSMEs, Youth, Farmers by not announcing any relief measures for them.

He said that the Chief Minister Pramod Sawant spent lakhs of rupees putting up banners all across the State thanking Narendra Modi for the 300 Crores. “Now BJP government should come clear over this and tell the public whether they have received this fund.” He said.

“In June 2021,our alliance partner Goa Forward had obtained an RTI reply where it was revealed that the money allotted was never received. “ Kamat said.

“This is an insult to our State and our liberation struggle,” he said.

Kamat termed this budget as empty. “There is nothing for the poor, middle class and lower salaried class in this budget. There is no change in income tax structure,” he said.

“We are reeling under inflation. No respite has been given to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. These industries are creating job opportunities, they were in the worst condition during COVID. But the government has sidelined them,” He also said.

He also alleged that the BJP government’s anti-farmer, anti-poor policy face is exposed as it has cut fertiliser subsidy, reduced food subsidy and MGNREGA funds.

“There was nothing mentioned in her speech on tourism. Then how the tourism activities will take place,” he said.