Panaji: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday announced a state-wide ‘Margay Mukti Yatra’ (Freedom From Inflation March) in Goa from November 26 to December 19 to highlight rising prices and mobilise people against inflation.
Addressing a press conference in Goa, Kejriwal alleged that the cost of household essentials, including bread, petrol, electricity, rent and vegetables, had increased substantially during the 15 years of BJP rule in the state, while salaries and incomes had failed to keep pace.
Delhi Leader of Opposition Atishi, Goa AAP State President Valmiki Naik and others were present at the press conference.
“Over the last 15 years, household expenses have increased at least three to four times, but salaries and incomes have remained more or less the same. People are finding it increasingly difficult to run their households,” he said while announcing the ‘Margay Mukti Yatra’.
Kejriwal blamed corruption and political defections for the rising financial burden on people, alleging that corruption linked to land conversions under Section 39A was among the major reasons.
He further alleged that MLAs who switch parties after allegedly receiving large sums of money eventually engage in activities to recover the money, with the burden ultimately falling on ordinary people.
“All the money spent on buying MLAs has to be recovered, and the burden is ultimately borne by the common people through the rising cost of essentials,” he alleged.
Kejriwal said the yatra would cover constituencies, villages and different parts of Goa, allowing people to share their experiences of inflation and the difficulties they face in managing household expenses.
The campaign will begin on November 26, observed as Constitution Day, and conclude on December 19, Goa Liberation Day, he said.
The former Delhi Chief Minister said the party would also highlight its ‘Aamchi Gonayak Guarantee’, comprising six guarantees, five of which, according to him, directly address the issue of inflation.
Kejriwal claimed that the guarantees could help each household save at least Rs 15,000 per month. He cited the proposed monthly assistance of Rs 6,000 for women and free bus travel for women, which he said could result in savings of around Rs 2,000 per month.
“The yatra is aimed at giving people a platform to voice their concerns and ensuring that their problems reach the government,” he said.
Kejriwal added that the upcoming electoral contest in Goa should focus on people’s problems, dreams and aspirations.
Elections to the 40-member Goa Legislative Assembly are due before March 2027.
