UGDP to field Matanhy for South seat HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MARCH 19
It's official. The United Goans Democratic Party has decided to field social activist and former MLA Matanhy Saldanha for the South Goa Lok Sabha seat. The announcement was made by UGDP Secretary General, Adv Anacleto Viegas in the presence of Saldanha, party president Dr Jorson Fernandes, Radharao Gracias, M Ibrahim and other party leaders. Viegas said the party will declare its North Goa candidate within the next few days. The party strongly rejected the general perception that Matanhy's presence in the fray will help the BJP with senior party leader Radharao Gracias saying the party candidate will repeat the 1996 show in 2009. At a press conference, Saldanha spoke on the need to save Goa, its culture, identity, and the people through special status. "Goa needs to be protected politically, culturally, socially and economically," he said, and vowed to fight the ensuing polls without money and muscle power. He spoke about the need to have a change in values and attitudes in politics for the well being of the citizens. "The people must act in the coming polls. This is the time to decide to bring about a change. There is no place for money and muscle power and I will prove this election by getting elected without these bouncers," he asserted, Referring to people from outside the State staying in Goa, Matanhy admitted that "their condition is pitiable and that government must ameliorate their condition through right policies. The government must come out with policies for the well being of the people. Asserting that Goa needs special status to maintain its identity, Saldanha said the party will fight for special status for the state irrespective of whether they win or lose the polls. Party secretary Anacleto Viegas said Matanhy needs no introduction as the people know him for his contribution to social issues along the entire west coast and for the welfare of the poor fishermen "We have decided to field Matanhy to represent the regional forces and to promote the interest of Goa and Goans," he said and appealed to the people of Goa to rally behind Saldanha in the interest of the State. UGDP ad hoc President, Dr Jorson Fernandes said the party stands for Goa and Goans and blamed the national parties for letting Goans down time and again. "The profile of Matanhy is well known. He has stood by the people on all issues over the years," he said. http://oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=18900&cid=26
