Panaji: In a major set back to Congress party in Mayem constituency, its candidate for 2017 assembly election Santosh Kumar Sawant today joined Goa Forward Party claiming it to be the only party sincere towards mining affected people of the state.
Party’s President Vijai Sardesai welcomed Sawant in the party fold during a press conference held in Panaji.
Sawant has been one of the popular face in the constituency and had contested on Congress party ticket from Mayem.
“I am joining Goa Forward Party because it is the only political party that is sincere with the mining affected people of Goa,” he said talking to reporters after his entry into Vijai Sardesai led party.
“ Congress has actually colluded with those like Claude Alvares who are responsible for shutting down mining. Girish has actually endorsed activists who are jubilant over their victory against the mining industry in the Courts. They are celebrating our misery in the mining belt and hence I couldn’t continue in the Congress anymore,” he said.
Goa Forward is a Goa’s own party that focuses on the problems of Goemkars so it is naturally sympathetic to problems locals face in the mining industry.
“I want to strengthen Vijai Sardesai’s hands, because he’s a leader who can forcefully speak for us and fight for us within the govt and outside. He can call a spade a spade. Congress is sponsoring all activities by proxy in Goa that’s jeopardising the livelihood of local people, and helping outsiders in the bargain,” he said.
