BJP behind attack on Congress meet in Poriem

Panaji: Congress on Tuesday blamed the BJP-led state government of playing a role in the violence witnessed during a party meeting in Poriem, Sattari, on Monday, where unknown persons allegedly pelted stones and hurled abuses.
“The ruling party is using blackmailing tactics and has now resorted to violence, threat and intimidation,” president, Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC), Luizinho Faleiro said, adding that BJP won’t win more than five seats in the 2017 elections.
Senior Congress leader Vishwajit Rane, who was present at the site of the alleged incident, which was to be attended by leader of opposition Pratapsingh Rane, also blamed the BJP for it. “There are increasing incidents of gambling and drug abuse in Sattari. This group of people is being instigated by BJP’s candidate. It was a direct attempt to target the leader of opposition,” Vishwajit alleged, adding that such incidents would further polarize the electorate against the BJP.
Congress also attacked the state government on its youth-oriented policies and said that BJP has destroyed the future of youth of the state. “They have banned the eligibility of boys who have failed Class 10 for government jobs. Youth, in the age group of 18 - 22 years, will not forget the government which gave the promise of providing 50,000 jobs, but failed and could only provide some contract jobs,” Rane said.
Congress stated that it expects the Election Commission to take suo moto cognizance of the matter. The party also said it would complain to the commission regarding the government’s announcement of large infrastructure projects in such close proximity to the assembly polls.
Based on the police complaint lodged by Poriem village panchayat member Anil Majik, police have arrested seven persons including Virendra Rane, Suresh Sawant, Raju Sawant, Deepak Sawant, Vishnu Sawant, Satish Majik and Narayan Sawant. BJP has denied any involvement.