NT NETWORK
MARGAO
Terming the 2017 election as a game and the best player will win, Deputy Chief Minister Francis D’Souza on Monday said that the BJP is ready to take on a combined opposition.
D’Souza was speaking to the media on the sidelines of the concluding programme of the 12-day Goa Saras held at Margao by the Rural Development agency (RDA). In all 18 states participated in Goa Saras, which is held annually.
“We (BJP) are all set to take on the opposition in case they have a grand alliance. We are ready to fight the elections one-to-one,’’ said D’Souza and further opined that there cannot be a Maha-gathbandhan for the election since political parties have different ideologies and interests.
He said that the BJP government has worked for the people in all sections of society. “We are committed to people and have worked for the interests of the state. In 2012 the people of Goa gave us a mandate and this time too they will vote for us. We have completed 70 percent of our manifesto with distinction”.
On the Regional Plan, D’Souza said that the work is in progress and it will be released in phases. “RPs of Sattari, Pernem, Bicholim and Pernem talukas will be released in the first phase. Quepem and Sanguem would be released thereafter. I cannot give the date of completion as there are lots of complications. Once the code of conduct comes into force, the RP work may stop’’ he maintained.
D’Souza congratulated the RDA Minister Alina Saldanha for taking keen interest in organising the event successfully.
Alina Saldanha in her address said that despite all odds Saras had seen a business of Rs 1 crore against Rs 80 lakh last year.