PM Modi with Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant in Mapusa
Gomantak Times
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing his first physical rally two days before the campaign ends for poll-bound Goa, said previous governments at the centre thought of Goa only as a place to enjoy holidays.
"Goa has its own special culture and identity. Goa takes everyone along. Those who do not care about this culture of Goa, they kept Goa as a loot system of their corruption but BJP gave the mantra of Swayampurna Goa," PM said at a rally in Mapusa, adding that Congress has destabilised governments in Goa for its own benefit.
He said for BJP, Goa means governance, opportunity and aspirations and BJP government in Goa boosted tourism. "Under BJP, tourist footfall has gone up from Rs 25 lakh annually to over 80 lakh. Now, tourism in Goa is year-round and not only seasonal."
He said that several key infrastructure projects like Atal Setu, Zuari bridge, the second airport were undertaken by the BJP governments.
He said the previous Congress government did not give importance to Bardez taluka. "Congress never priprities Bardez taluka. BJP will give importance to Bardez. BJP will do everything to fulfil the aspiration of Bardez.
He also launched a blistering attack on the Trinamool Congress (TMC), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) without naming them and said new parties are coming to Goa to launch their political aspirations. "Goans have sent a message to them to keep their violence to themselves, Goans will choose development," he said.
PM Modi addressing a rally in Mapusa
Gomantak Times
Referring to his speech in Lok Sabha on Tuesday, PM Modi said Congres has historically had a hostile attitude towards Goa. "Congress didn't liberate Goa for 15 years after Independence. People of Goa kept fighting but Congress Govt didn't help. From the ramparts of Red Fort, India's first PM, Jawaharlal Nehru had said that he won't send forces for the liberation of Goa."
He further said he always miss his "friend" Manohar Parrikar whenever he comes to Goa. "Whenever I come to Goa, I always miss my dear friend Manohar Parrikar. You Goans must have felt his absence even more. I'm fortunate to be standing here because of the love from the people of Goa."
