On agreeing to consider contesting the ensuing by-election for the Panaji Assembly Constituency, over the last one month have had a very extensive consultation process with all concerned on the way ahead. Many felt that I should throw my hat in the ring but a few well meaning persons were of the opinion that I should keep away from contesting and continue my four decade old crusade on social causes and against corruption.
The ensuing Panaji by-election is going to be very crucial to restore the currently eroded democratic values and our freedom of speech. As MLA for twenty long years Manohar Parrikar has high-handedly fooled the people of Panaji and taken them for a ride. He has miserably failed on all counts by being unable to even cleanse up the awfully stinking and sewage loaded St Inez nullah. After unleashing rampant corruption and nepotism, while leaving Goa in an utter mess with all his U turns, Manohar Parrikar sneakingly slipped off to Delhi to be the Defence Minister. To defeat Manohar Parrikar’s candidate we have to unitedly battle it out. I have therefore decided not to contest the ensuing election. Let us unitedly and whole heartedly rally to ensure that in a one to one fight with no splitting of votes that Manohar Parrikar’s candidate is resoundedly routed. For the better of Panaji and Goa at large, Manohar Parrikar’s dictatorial, dubious, vindictive, and intimidatory tactics have to be put to eternal sleep. Aires Rodrigues Advocate High Court C/G-2, Shopping Complex Ribandar Retreat, Ribandar – Goa – 403006 Mobile No: 9822684372 Office Tel No: (0832) 2444012 Email: [email protected] Or [email protected] You can also reach me on Facebook.com/ AiresRodrigues Twitter@rodrigues_aires
