Margao, Dec 29 (TOI): Opposition leader Chandrakant Kavlekar on Friday said that the BJP’s rout in the Hindi heartland states in recent polls held aloft hope for better days for the Congress party in the state in the near future.

“They keep hoping for a Congress-mukt Bharat. But what has been the contribution of BJP leaders to free India from the British rule? Hardly any. If the trends of the recent elections continue, where the Congress won in three states on the trot, those chanting “Congress-mukt Bharat’ will themselves be wiped off,” Kavlekar said.

He was addressing party workers on the party’s 134th foundation day celebration.

Urging party workers to remain united and work for whichever candidate is nominated by the party for the 2019 general assembly elections, Kavlekar said, “Better days lie ahead for the Congress party. While the (political) situation is conducive for the party, we can’t afford to be complacent. Let’s strive to win both seats for the Congress,” Kavlekar said.

Ponda MLA Ravi Naik asked party workers to ensure that people do not fall for the “falsehoods” spread by the BJP. “You should guard against the rumours being spread by the BJP about the Congress having done nothing all these years. Remember, it’s the Congress party which has worked to uplift all sections of society. Don’t let the BJP fool people,” he said.

In his address, Margao legislator Digambar Kamat advocated the need for the Congress leadership to “activate” party workers from various corners of the state with a view to strengthening the party.

“The Congress’ strength lies in its number of dedicated workers spread across the state. The party owes its existence to them. We need to activate more such workers. If you dedicate yourself to the party with sincerity, nobody will be able to stop the Congress juggernaut in the coming days,” Kamat said.