PORVORIM
: Accepting the clear mandate given to
BJP, the
opposition
parties vowed to shoulder their role in the House by offering
constructive
inputs for the benefit of Goa. Many first-time MLAs said that irrespective of the outcome of the elections, people want Goa to progress.
The opposition MLAs said that people have reposed faith in them and the challenge will be to fulfil people’s expectations.
“We will fight where required, and some places where required, we will have an understanding. We will work collectively with our colleagues in the assembly. It is not only about fighting, it is about getting things organised, and if things get organised, people benefit from the change,” said Benaulim
MLA Venzy Viegas.
The first-time MLAs put up a brave face, refusing to be bogged down by their position in the opposition benches. However, they did say that the constituencies that they represent have been ignored by successive governments. Healthcare, education, sanitation, unemployment, infrastructure creation and environment protection were some of the concerns highlighted by the MLAs.
“We respect the people’s mandate and we have to play the role of a constructive opposition. I am quite sure that
Congress will play the role of a very good opposition,” said Cuncolim MLA Yuri Alemao.
Saligao MLA Kedar Naik said that being on the ruling side or the opposition is matter of luck. “Sometimes we will be in the ruling and sometimes in the opposition, and you have to face it,” said Naik.
Curtorim MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco, who surprised many by winning a fourth term, said that though he has been elected as an independent MLA, he has chosen to support the BJP in order to help his constituents. “I lent support to fulfil the aspirations of the single-largest party, BJP. I don’t expect anything but I want to work for my people,” he said.
GFP president and Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai and Congress MLA Digambar Kamat said that BJP won a clear mandate.