24TH MAY 2023, NEW DELHI/GOA: AAP leaders and MLAs from Goa arrived in Delhi on Wednesday to meet with the national leadership over pressing issues, particularly the BJP’s unconstitutional power-grabbing exploits. The Goa unit has resolved to directly engage the public and expose the BJP’s relentless pursuit of power through any means possible. The leaders reaffirmed their rejection of the BJP’s power grab, evident through the recent ordinance on control of services in Delhi, emphasising the necessity of a united opposition to effectively combat the party’s corrupt practices.
The discussion also shed light on the concerning state of the country’s institutions, including the ED, the Election Commission, and the CBI, underscoring the alarming manner in which the BJP is progressively exerting influence over these crucial pillars of democracy. Additionally, the leaders actively deliberated on strategies to strengthen the party’s organisation in Goa, with a unanimous commitment to actively participate in the upcoming elections and establish a government that prioritises the welfare of the people.
Chairing the meeting, AAP National General Secretary(Organisation) and MP Dr. Sandeep Kumar Pathak, shed light on the tactics employed by the BJP in states where they have been unsuccessful in forming a government or faced defeat. He noted, “The BJP’s playbook involves buying MLAs and destabilising governments. If that doesn’t work, they resort to consistently undermining the elected government by weaponizing the posts of the lieutenant governor or the governor.”
Dr. Pathak pointed out the recent example in Delhi, where an ordinance was promulgated by the BJP-led Centre “to destabilise the government and seize its power.” He explained that the BJP’s actions go against the apex court’s ruling. The Supreme Court’s landmark decision recently established that the elected government, led by Shri Arvind Kejriwal, holds the final authority in matters concerning governance and the transfer/posting of officers in Delhi. Dr. Pathak firmly asserted, “This unconstitutional ordinance will not withstand judicial scrutiny. It is a clear attempt by the BJP to seize control of Delhi’s bureaucracy and power and subvert the Supreme Court’s authority.”
During the meeting, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders also extensively deliberated on the crucial matter of strengthening the party’s organisation in Goa. With a clear vision for the future, the party sought the input of all its leaders and actively reviewed strategies for expanding its presence in the region.
Dr. Sandeep Kumar Pathak expressed optimism for the party’s expansion in Goa, stating, “We will strengthen our presence in the state and fight all upcoming elections with full force, whether it is the Lok Sabha elections, Zila Panchayat elections, or future assembly elections in Goa. Our ultimate objective is to establish a government that genuinely serves the interests of the Goan people.”
The meeting concluded on a positive note, highlighting the party’s resolve to uphold democratic values and fight for the rights of the common people.
Shri Amit Palekar, the President of AAP Goa, denounced the Centre’s recent ordinance as a subversion of the Supreme Court’s judgement and an attempt to seize power. He criticised the BJP for sidelining the democratic process and disregarding the constitutional mandate that the judiciary and legislature play integral roles in the country’s development. He noted that while the BJP may possess an arrogance of power, it has not resonated well within the country and its democratic setup.
Shri Amit Palekar hailed the meeting as a success. He said that it not only helps expand the party’s organisational setup in Goa but also broadens the horizons of Goa unit’s calibre.