Lauding the High Court’s decision to refuse the government’s request to waive off negative RT-PCT tests for visitors to Goa, Goa Forward Party President Vijai Sardesai said, “the Honourable High Court has Goa’s best interest at heart, while the CM is constantly looking for loopholes to further his personal interest.” On social media Sardesai raised five questions over the Chief Minister’s no negative certificate demand, questioning the CM’s attitude to COVID-19 management in the state.
Vijai Sardesai took to Twitter: “When will Pramod Sawant realize that Goan health safety comes first? How much further is he willing to embarrass & shame Goa? Why is the CM so adamant on no negative certificates? What does the CM gain from Goan suffering? And Is he fed up of being CM?”
Sardesai said that “by enforcing strict measures to stop outsiders from bringing in the virus into Goa, we would be ensuring the health and safety of all Goans from Covid 19.” He added that “despite Goa making global and national news on its COVID-19 mismanagement, the Chief Minister has not learned anything and is shamelessly embarrassing the state on a daily basis.”
The GFP Chief further questioned the CM on his adamance: “there is so much good that can come from negative RT-PCR tests as travellers would have screened access ensuring that both Goans and visitors are safe.” Vijai added that when cases drop, negative certificates could help rekindle responsible business activity. Sardesai also warned that extra scrutiny must be applied to ensure that travellers are not entering Goa on fake negative RT-PCR certificates.
Vijai Sardesai also asked whether Pramod Sawant is fed up of being the Chief Minister. “Goans have seen complete lethargy and disinterest in administration and governance from the CM both on COVID-19 or Cyclone Taukate. To be an effective CM you need to have the vision, determination and will to solve problems; unfortunately Pramod Sawant lacks all three qualities and has brought Goa to despair, misery, and hopelessness.”
The Fatorda MLA had written to the Chief Minister suggesting a host of constructive measures: from employing the immediate family members of deceased Goan COVID warriors in government jobs, to deploying the Rs.100Cr MLA Local Area Development Fund to procure and administer both doses of vaccines to Goan citizens. Additionally, Sardesai had urged the CM to also utilise the Rs. 300Cr Liberation Day Celebrations Fund to ramp up Goa’s health infrastructure.
