PANAJI: The Goa Pradesh Congress Committee President Girish Chodankar along with President of Goa Pradesh Youth Congress Adv. Varad Mardolkar on Saturday visited agitating displaced kiosk operators at GMC, Bambolim.
Chodankar said that despite assurances given to kiosk operators to rehabilitate them after their structures were demolished, the BJP government has failed to give them justice.
These kiosk operators have entered the sixth day of their agitation demanding rehabilitation, however, authorities have not given them any concrete assurance.
St Andre Congress leader Mohan Dhond, Tony Fernandes, Block president Manoj Palkar, Mahila president Palagia Raposo and others were present on the occasion.
“Government representatives should at least visit them and inform them about their plans. Why govt is forcing them to suffer.” He questioned.
He said that Congress stands with the agitating kiosk operators and will fight for them to seek justice.
Mardolkar said that the BJP government is playing with the sentiments of Kiosk operators at Bambolim.
“Not only are these Kiosk owners, but the relatives of patients from GMC also suffering as they don’t get the essential things, which these kiosk operators were selling. Today 40 families (of Kiosk Operators) are suffering as they have no income source.” GPYC President Adv. Varad Mardolkar said while visiting these Kiosk operators who have started a chain hunger strike from Monday demanding rehabilitation.
Mardolkar said that Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant is giving them empty promises of rehabilitation, as in reality he had done nothing for them. “if CM’s intention was clear, then by now, he would have given justice to them. He has not only bulldozed their kiosk but has bulldozed their livelihood. Hence, it is evident that this government is insensitive and has no heart for poor people.” Adv. Mardolkar said.
Adv. Mardolkar said that Youth Congress has always supported their movement and further too will stand with them for justice. “Our Goemkars should not suffer for the wrong policies of the BJP government. We will raise this issue on various platforms if their demand is not met.” Mardolkar said.
Mardolkar said that the BJP government has always tried to suppress the voice of Goemkar, but the youth Congress will not allow them to impose their rules, backed by RSS, on the people of Goa.
