CPI, CPI(M) to contest four assembly seats in Goa

Panaji, Apr 3: The CPI and CPI(M) have decided to contest four seats in the June 2 elections to the Goa Legislative Assembly.

CPI state council secretary Christopher Fonseca and CPI(M) state committee secretary Dr Vivek Monteiro discloed this at a joint press conference here today.

The CPI will field Gajanand Naik for Calangute, Christopher Fonseca for Pale and Shyam Gawde for Priol while the CPI-M's Naresh Shigaonkar will contest from Sanvordem.

The duo appealed to voters to defeat what they termed 'communal, corrupt and mafia-linked anti-people forces' and elect leftists thus heralding a new chapter in the political history of Goa.

They said they would work together to not only check communal forces but strengthen secular politics, besides working towards seeking the abolition of contract labour system and strict implementation of labour laws in all industrial sectors and zones.

They would strive for promotion of policies to protect, support and help small producers, artisans, fisherfolk, toddy tapps, vendor and small retail traders, while opposing the entry of Foreign Direct Investment in retail trade, they said.

Other areas of their avowed common action include taking firm steps against growing criminality in Goa, fighting increasing role of money and mafia in social life and elections, paying special attention to the needs and rights of women, children and people with disability, besides those of all weaker sections including including SC/ST/OBC.

UNI