Why no BJP leaders seen in queues outside ATMs: GFP's Sardesai

Independent legislator and mentor of newly-formed Goa Forward Party (GFP) Vijai Sardesai has criticised the ruling BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the "chaotically implemented" demonetisation move, saying why are no BJP leaders seen in queues outside ATMs.
Kicking off the party's campaign ahead of the Assembly polls slated early next year, the Independent MLA from Fatorda also accused Modi while addressing a rally in Margao yesterday of facilitating "complete dilution of 'Goanness'".
Slamming BJP and Modi over the "chaotically implemented" demonetisation move, Sardesai asked: "How come no BJP leader is seen in queues in front of ATMs of all banks in the state?"

He said the time has come to protect the interests of the local residents of Goa.
"Goa has had enough of nationalisation. Now it is time to usher in 'Goanisation' to protect 'Goenkarponn' (Goan-ness)," he said while referring to the Centre's reported move of nationalising six rivers in the state, which the GFP had earlier criticised as the "worst catastrophe awaiting Goans".
During the event, Monica Dias, general secretary of All India Mahila Congress, joined the GFP. The party that was formed six months ago has been trying to cobble up a secular alliance ahead of the state polls.

Sardesai also alleged that the BJP has put Goa on a "fast-track sale".

"Modi has intentionally sidestepped the Goa special status issue to facilitate complete dilution of 'Goanness' through BJP government's ongoing policies like Investment Promotion Board, which do not protect the interests of the state or its ethnic population.
"The burden of price rise and the debt-ridden economy of the BJP government will be carried forward to the next government," he said.
Making a strong pitch for sustainable development of the state for the benefit of Goans, Sardesai promised that the GFP would make amendments to the state laws.
"The amendments would ensure that businesses in the mining and tourism sectors, which form the backbone of the state's economy would henceforth have to compulsorily involve a Goan as a partner to do business in the state," he said.

The legislator also called for enactment of the Goa Sound Act by replacing the Madhya Pradesh Control of Music and Noises Act, which he said was seen as a "deterrent" for the wedding and entertainment industry in the state.
Sardesai cautioned Congress of "earthquakes" within the party fold due to the "failure" of its leadership in combating the ruling dispensation in the state.
He said he was committed to an alliance of all opposition forces in the state "as the public sentiment is in its favour".