Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Feb 1: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convener Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday said the people of Goa are seeking an honest and people-centric alternative in politics, and asserted that his party will work with citizens to fulfil their hopes and aspirations.
Kejriwal, who is on a three-day visit to the coastal state, held a meeting with the AAP’s Goa state committee to discuss strategies to strengthen the party’s organisational base. He arrived in Goa on Friday.
Sharing details of the meeting on X, Kejriwal said he held detailed discussions with party leaders on organisational strengthening. “The people of Goa want an honest alternative and people-centric politics. Together with the people, we will work to fulfil Goa’s hopes and aspirations,” he said.
During the meeting, local leaders raised concerns over large-scale land conversions, destruction of khazan lands and damage to lakes and rivers. They alleged that unchecked development backed by the ruling BJP was harming Goa’s fragile ecology and affecting local livelihoods.
Addressing party workers along with AAP Goa unit chief Valmiki Naik and state in-charge Atishi, Kejriwal urged them to focus on building a strong grassroots network that truly represents the people.
“Our strength has always been our connection with people. Strengthen the organisation at the grassroots and become the voice of Goa. Listen to people’s problems, help them raise issues and ensure those issues are taken to their logical conclusion. Helping people and getting their work done is the real purpose of politics,” he said.
Naik said Goa was witnessing an “unprecedented assault” on its land, khazans, rivers and lakes, and stressed that AAP must stand firmly with the people and raise these issues without fear. He added that the party should help citizens protect their land and fight for their rights.
Atishi said AAP’s politics is rooted in service, honesty and accountability, and called on local leaders to engage more deeply with communities to understand and address their concerns.
The AAP currently has two MLAs in the 40-member Goa legislative assembly. The party recently suffered a setback after several senior leaders, including former state unit president Amit Palekar, resigned from the party earlier this month following its poor performance in the district council polls.