Terming Opinion Day as the turning point in the history of Goa, Congress on Sunday celebrated Opinion Poll Day at Dayanand Bandodkar Road, Panaji. The party leaders said that once Congress forms the government in the state, it will give Opinion Poll Day same importance as Goa Liberation Day.
Speaking on the occasion, Congress leader Michael Lobo said, "Opinion poll day is the most important day in Goa, so it should be celebrated at the state level. If we come to power, we will celebrate Opinion Poll Day at the state level."
He further said we must respect and remember the leaders who fought for the identity of Goa. "I have always wanted the government to celebrate this day at the state level. But the BJP has never paid any attention to it," he said.
“Goa has a unique history & language. Congress respects this. Opinion Poll also teaches us to respect differences of opinion & come back together after a decision. Everyone should recognize today as a turning point in the history of Goa,” said Dinesh Gundu Rao, AICC Goa desk in-charge.
He also stated that both the merger and anti-merger groups worked in the interests of the state after the referendum.
South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha said if Goa had been merged with Maharashtra, it would have remained as a single district. "If Goa had been merged with Maharashtra, we would not have had the opportunity to become MLAs, Ministers and Chief Ministers," he said.
He appealed to the people of Goa to defeat the BJP which is working against the state and public interest.
MP South Goa Francisco Sardinha, former Union Minister Eduardo Faleiro, Goa in-charge Dinesh Gundu Rao, women president Beena Naik, Joe Dias and Dilip Borkar and others were present on the occasion.
January 16 known as Opinion Poll Day or ‘Asmitai Dis’ (Identity Day) in Goa, is an important day in the history of Goa because on this day in 1967, the people of Goa voted against a merger with Maharashtra, opting instead to remain a Union Territory.