Panaji: Drawing on a medical analogy, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Goa in its Lok Sabha election manifesto said the coastal state’s ‘ECG’ — an acronym for Environment, Culture and Governance — is sputtering and promised a revival of the three sectors. AAP Convenor and South Goa Lok Sabha constituency candidate Elvis Gomes also promised on Friday formalin-free fish, which is an emotive issue considering that fish is a staple diet in the coastal state.
In 2018, traces of the chemical in fish imported into Goa from neighbouring states was found with an alleged cover-up of the issue. “ECG of Goa is not showing signs of good health. Successive governments have caused immediate pain to Goa’s heart. The unique environment and culture that defines what Goa is has suffered from collapse of governance,” the manifesto reads.
“Environment, Culture and Governance within which come all issues will be put back on track. It is the solemn promise of the AAP,” it reads. Degradation of environment, dilution of culture and slack governance have been key issues in most political debates as well as discussions in the state Assembly over the last few years. The AAP in Goa has also promised door delivery of government services on the lines of its government in Delhi, sustainable mining, promotion of indigenous lifestyles and food habits, special status to Goa, among others.
AAP is contesting both the Lok Sabha seats in Goa which will go to poll on April 23. While Gomes is contesting from the South Goa seat, party’s state General Secretary Pradeep Padgaonkar is contesting from the North Goa seat.
