Goa Bachao Abhiyan (GBA) to remain ''watchdog'' for new govt

Panaji, June 5 (UNI) The Goa Bachao Abhiyan (GBA), which successfully spearheaded the people's movement against the controversial Regional Plan 2011, will continue to remain a ''watchdog'' for the new government.

GBA leader Dr Oscar Rebelo told UNI that the GBA was a body of professionals and a purely citizens' group and never had political intentions.

''Right from day one, we were clear that we did not intend getting into politics. Our aim was to ensure that the controversial plan was scrapped and it has been achieved. Just organising two rallies against a government decision cannot make us a political entity. Lot of homework and groundwork has to go in it,'' he said.

Reacting to the election result, Dr Rebelo said people of the State have spoken through the EVMs and political parties have to respect the mandate. ''We hope the ruling and Opposition parties act in a bipartisan manner for the welfare of the state. They will have to fulfill the promises made in the manifesto,'' he added.

Dr Rebelo expressed confidence that the Congress will keep its promise of not reviving the Regional Plan 2011. ''The assurance was given by the top leaders of the party and I am confident that they will honour it. Goa requires a development plan and the government should take into confidence citizens' bodies like the GBA to discuss the development issues without harming the environment and ecology of the state,'' he added.

UNI