From Our Special Correspondent

Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Nov 15: While Congress party has been constantly losing popularity, newly formed Goa Forward on Monday held a mega convention showing its strength making a place for itself as a prime opposition ahead of Goa Legislative Assembly election.

The newly formed party with 'Coconut' as its symbol is mentored by Fatorda MLA, Vijai Sardesai, who has been a prime opposition in the assembly putting state government on the mat on several issues.

On Monday, Sardesai once again showed his mettle when he addressed a huge convention in Margao town.

Sardesai announced that Goa had enough of nationalization and it was time to usher 'Goanisation’ to protect Goenkarponn’ or 'Goaness’.

The legislator took on the ruling BJP and Prime Minister on the chaotically implemented demonetization idea. He questioned how no BJP leader is seen in queues in front of ATMs of all banks in the state.

Claiming that BJP has put up Goa on a fast track sale, he commented, “Modi had intentionally sidestepped the special status issue to facilitate complete dilution of 'Goanness’ through BJP Govt’s ongoing policies like Investment Promotion Board which do not protect the interests of the state or its ethnic population.

Advocating sustainable development of Goa to benefit the Goan, Sardesai promised that Goa Forward which is attempting to gobble up a secular alliance for the assembly polls, would make amendments to state laws to ensure that businesses in the mining and tourism sectors, that form the backbone of the state’s economy would henceforth have to compulsory involve a Goan as a partner to do business in Goa.

He also called for enactment of the Goa Sound Act by replacing the Madhya Pradesh Sound Act that is seen to be a deterrent for the wedding and entertainment industry in this tourist state.

Criticising government on price rise and the debt ridden economy that the BJP Govt will inherit to the next government, Sardesai promised a steep hike in the monthly Griha Aadhar disbursement and said no MLA would have to endorse it in future so that the scheme is not used to politically harass innocent women.