Negative forces trying to destroy Congress: Dinesh Gundu Rao

All Indian National Congress committee Goa in-charge Dinesh Gundu Rao on Tuesday said that negative forces were trying to destroy the party, which could "weaken the country and the democracy as they wished."

Addressing the gathering on the occasion of 137th foundation day of Congress in Panaji, Rao said: "We will not allow our country to be weakened and the voice of the people will not be silenced. The foundation of the nation is in danger. By changing everything, our faith in our institution, our parliament, our democracy is on the rise".

He further stated that BJP has created a situation where people of the country are afraid to speak and express their views. "People know that if they speak against the will of the ruling party, they will face repercussions, attacks and humiliation. That is why they do not speak out against injustice," he said.

GPCC President Girish Chodankar said that BJP will never succeed in making 'Congress free India'. "Congress fought for liberation of Goa, for opinion polls. Our leaders have made a great contribution to Goa. The forthcoming elections will decide the future and identity of Goa. Our people will take a firm stand on this by destroying the negative forces," he said.

Chodankar further said that the policies used by the British were now being used by the BJP to divide the people. "BJP has brought many political parties in Goa to divide the votes." he said.

Pratap Singh Rane, while narrating the events of the last 50 years between the Congress and Goa, said that the Congress party should be strengthened and everyone should work for it. He also said that everyone should contribute for the future of Goa state.

South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha, Youth Congress president Noel D’Souza, Indian National Congress spokesperson Dr. Shama Mohammed, MK Sheikh and others were present on the occasion.