Goa Mining People’s Front convener Puti Gaonkar on Friday announced that he will be joining Aam Aadmi Party on Sunday and will contest the upcoming election on AAP ticket in the Sanquelim assembly constituency against Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.
Gaonkar, who had recently announced the ‘Goa Rajya Nav Nirman Aaghadi’, a pressure group of mining dependants, told media persons in Ponda that mining operations would be resumed in the state, if the AAP comes to power upon the assembly polls.
"The AAP has promised that if it comes to power then a monthly dole of Rs 5,000 each will be given to the mining dependants until mining operations are resumed in the state," he said.
“The AAP has delivered on its promises (in Delhi). I believe that people of Goa, who want change this time, will choose the AAP over other parties for a clean and non-corrupt government,” Gaonkar emphasised.
He further said that he aims to take on BJP in the elections that have failed to start mining in the state. "The BJP has not been able to start mining in the last 12 years. BJP is not starting mining to protect its own interests. The government is reluctant to help those whose homes were destroyed in the flood. Mining dependents, gadawalas, shopkeepers, farmers are in trouble due to the closure of mining. Corporation has been started to resume mining. But, the corporation needs a professional. If given a chance I will solve this issue within six months”, he said.
On being asked whether his outfit will exist after he joins AAP, he said, "Rajya Nav Nirman Aaghadi will continue to exist and will work for the betterment of people."
