Santu Fernandes joins AAP along with supporters

Goa Khabar : In a significant political development in South Goa, Forrmer Panch of Betalbatim and Congressman, Santu Fernandes, along with a large group of his supporters, joined the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) today in the presence of Benaulim MLA Capt. Venzy Viegas and AAP Working President Gerson Gomes. Also present were AAP Leader from Nuvem, Brian Rodrigues, and other local AAP workers.

Welcoming the new members, AAP Working President Gerson Gomes said: We welcome people who want to genuinely defeat the BJP. The Congress is simply not capable of doing that. Even if they get a few MLAs elected, they end up defecting to the BJP. AAP is the only alternative that stands firmly for the people and for honesty in politics.

Attacking the Congress for repeatedly betraying Goan voters, Santu Fernandes, Ex-Panch of Betalbatim, stated: Today Venzy has shown that if there is intent, good work can happen even without being in Government. Venzy has set up clinics where not a single rupee is needed to get treatment. We made a mistake by voting and campaigning for Congress in 2017 and 2022. Congress MLAs supported a government that destroyed Goa. Today, we feel responsible and carry a sense of guilt for the actions of the BJP Government that Congress helped sustain.

Santu Fernandes further added: Congress betrayed Goans twice — in 2017 and again in 2022. Their MLAs sold the people’s mandate to the BJP. We will not repeat that mistake. AAP is the only party that has proven its honesty and commitment to public service.

AAP MLA Capt. Venzy Viegas, welcoming Santu Fernandes and his supporters, said: Despite all pressures, I did not join the BJP. Even without being in the government, I have worked tirelessly for the people of Benaulim. Just compare the roads in Nuvem and Benaulim — you will see the difference between AAP and the rest. We do good work, not politics.

AAP Leader from Nuvem, Brian Rodrigues, added: The mistake we made by voting for and trusting the Congress should not be repeated. Every time people of Goa vote for Congress, their MLAs end up joining the BJP. Goans should not fall into this trap again.