Prominent workers union leader and former candidate of the Aam Admi Party (AAP) in the last Goa Legislative Assembly election,Puti Gaonkar, has officially tendered his resignation from the party. He submitted his resignation to AAP president Amit Palekar, citing personal reasons for his decision.
In a statement to the media, Gaonkar emphasized his commitment to working exclusively for the welfare of workers and farmers in the state, which he considers his primary duty. He clarified that politics was never his first choice and expressed no intention of joining another political party, stating, “I am not a politician.”
Gaonkar said he entered politics with the hope of reviving the mining industry and addressing various issues faced by the workers’ community. He recalled his earlier promise to garland the Chief Minister on the day mining operations would resume in Goa, noting that an auction for mining rights is expected to take place soon. However, he mentioned that he is currently not under pressure from those dependent on mining, as the economy is facing significant challenges.
He expressed concerns about the potential for global conflicts, suggesting that if a world war were to occur, it would further deteriorate the situation, leaving agriculture as the primary means of survival. Gaonkar stressed the importance of prioritizing agricultural activities at both state and national levels, highlighting that self-sufficient villages were once the backbone of the economy.
Referencing a recent Reserve Bank of India (RBI) report, he pointed out that the traditional saving culture in India has been adversely affected by the rise of online payment systems. He lamented the loss of cash handling and saving practices that once sustained rural communities, stating, “If policies are not designed to benefit everyone, they can be harmful to our country.”
Gaonkar also criticized the closure of the Sanjivani Sugar Factory, which he claims has been halted due to vested interests. He had previously proposed a Rs 3 crore plan to the government to ensure its smooth operation, but this proposal was rejected. He noted that despite ongoing expenditures on the factory, it remains non-operational, forcing farmers to rely on government assistance rather than fostering a self-sustaining economy.
As Gaonkar steps away from politics, he remains dedicated to advocating for the rights and needs of workers and farmers, emphasizing the critical role of agriculture in ensuring food security and economic stability.