Panaji, Dec 15 (IANS): A Goa opposition party has urged President Ram Nath Kovind to cancel his visit to Goa on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Liberation day on December 19.

Goa Forward party chief and former deputy Chief Minister Vijai Sardesai has written a letter to the President claiming that the sum of Rs 100 crore, which has been earmarked by the state government for a year-long anniversary celebration, would be a waste in times of the economic devastation caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and the state's worsening economy.

"Like you Mr. President, we Goans are simple, loving and friendly people. We do not seek to hurt others, and love to welcome people from all over to be part of our unique lifestyle.

"But spending Rs 100 crore for the function really doesn't make any sense, we look to you to hold our plight, we look to you to hear our voice, and we look to you to be our representation. Therefore, we humbly request you to kindly turn down the government's invite and avoid visiting the state on December 19," said Sardesai, a sitting legislator.

Goa Forward has boycotted the meetings, which were being organised by the state government to finalise anniversary celebration events.

Goa was liberated from the 451-year rule of Portuguese by the Indian Armed Forces on December 19, 1961.

The President is scheduled to launch the 60th anniversary celebrations by inaugurating a cultural event in Panaji on December 19.

In order to conduct yearlong celebrations to mark the anniversary through 2020-21, the Goa government has sought a Rs 100 crore grant from the Central government. Interestingly, the timing of the series of galas coincides with the run up to the state Assembly elections, which are scheduled to be held in early 2022.

Sardesai has urged Kovind to consider the destruction which the Covid-19 pandemic has caused in Goa in terms of lives as well as livelihood, before attending the inauguration of the anniversary festivities which has been scheduled for December 19.

"I request you to spare a thought on what Goa is going through as you arrive in our beautiful state. I request you to remember our 707 fallen brethren who suffered and lost their lives to the disastrous Covid-19 pandemic, I request you to consider the numerous Goan employees and businesses who continue to struggle to make ends meet, due to the lack of the government support from your host," Sardesai said in his letter to the Rashtrapati Bhavan.