AAP launches statewide ‘Manifesto Meetings’ for ZP elections

Goa Khabar : The Aam Aadmi Party Goa today announced a landmark democratic initiative ahead of the Zilla Panchayat elections: Manifesto Meetings in every ZP constituency across the state. The announcement was made at a press conference addressed by AAP MLA Capt. Venzy Viegas, along with AAP ZP candidates Joseph Pimenta (Benaulim), Antonio Leao Fernandes (Colva) and Isaca Fernandes (Velim).

People Will Write Their Own Manifesto – Capt. Venzy Viegas

Launching the campaign, Capt. Venzy Viegas said: “In a democracy, the people are the highest authority. Yet, political manifestos are often drafted inside offices without consulting those who actually face the problems. For the first time in Goa, AAP is ensuring that the people themselves will write the manifesto for their ZP constituency. Goa belongs to its citizens, not politicians or builders—so every idea for development must come from the people.”

Purpose of the Manifesto Meetings

AAP leaders explained that the initiative aims to:

• Listen directly to citizens across every ward and village • Document every problem, suggestion and solution at the grassroots • Empower people to participate in shaping their village’s development roadmap • Ensure ZP commitments are based on real issues—not generic promises

Each Manifesto Meeting will have a dedicated team noting down inputs from the public. At the end of every meeting, all collected points will be read out publicly for transparency.

AAP’s ZP Candidates Speak

Joseph Pimenta – Benaulim “People are happy that AAP is bringing politics back to the people. Our manifesto will reflect their issues—whether it is roads, water, healthcare or environment—and we will be fully accountable to them.”

Antonio Leao Fernandes – Colva “In Colva, people appreciate AAP’s health camps and community outreach. They want honest leaders who listen, not those who appear only during elections. These meetings are a platform for real participation.”

Isaca Fernandes – Velim “Goans are frustrated with corruption and Gundaraj. AAP’s positive and people-first approach is being welcomed across Velim. The manifesto will be written by the people themselves, and we will work with them for the next five years.”

AAP’s Commitment to People-Driven Governance

Capt. Venzy Viegas highlighted AAP’s past work—free clinics, health camps, and continuous issue-based activism—to show what the party can do even without holding local power.

“With people’s support in the ZP elections, we can deliver solutions faster and more effectively,” he said.

Appeal for Public Participation

AAP urged every youth, senior citizen, women’s group, farmer, fisherfolk and resident to join these meetings as their inputs will directly shape the ZP-level development blueprint.

“When your candidate wins, you win—because your voice becomes the direction of the Zilla Panchayat,” the leaders said.

AAP concluded the press conference by stating that this ZP election is an opportunity to let people’s voices take centre stage and to build a healthier, safer and better Goa.