All India Congress Committee (AICC) election observer for Goa, P. Chidambaram on Thursday held an open house session regarding drafting the party’s manifesto for the upcoming elections. at Adarsh Hall in Margao
Speaking at the gathering, the former union minister said, "Only the Congress party can provide a stable government in Goa. We will meet the expectations of the people to 100 per cent but for that, Congress needs to come to power with an absolute majority. Bring us back to power, we will meet your expectations,"
The senior Congress leader assured the people that if they come to power, the government will be modern, progressive, science-based, technology, forward-looking and people-centric.
Entrepreneur Datta Nayak, environmentalist Olencio Simoes and Royla Fernandes, social activist Zarina D'cunha, Ramkrishna Jalmi, Dixon Vaz, Savio D'Silva and others also presented their suggestions for drafting a manifesto.
After hearing their suggestions, Chidambaram said, "your suggestions are good. But if your expectations are to be met, Congress needs to come to power with an absolute majority. At present, the parties have come to Goa from outside to spoil the politics of Goa. With this in mind, people need to vote. If we come to power, I will come to Goa every year to review the manifesto we have put before the people."
People also raised various issues at open forum discussions. These included mainly employment-oriented education, better health facilities, protection of the environment and schemes to maintain Goa's independent existence, seafarers, farmers, mining, a conducive environment for Goans to start industries, If outsiders want to start a business in Goa then locals should be made partners in it, tax cuts, efficient public transport facilities, control the rising prices of cooking gas and petrol.
Leader of Opposition Digambar Kamat, MP Francisco Sardinha, MLA Alex Reginald Lourence, State President Girish Chodankar, Women's Front President Bina Naik, Manifesto Committee Chairman Ramakant Khalap and Co-Chairman Elvis Gomes were present on the occasion.