VALPOI SURE VICTORY: VISHWAJEET RANE

VALPOI: The Health Minister, Mr Vishwajeet Rane, who is contesting the Valpoi by-election, said he is seeking to be elected by the voters of the constituency, on the basis of development projects that he has initiated in Valpoi. He said that the people will give their verdict on October 18, and he is confident of victory.

The Congress candidate, Mr Rane was speaking to media persons at Valpoi.  Clearing his stand on the mining issue, Mr Vishwajeet said that he will not allow mining within the limits of the municipality. "I will not allow mining industry to destroy the beautification project, wherein the government has spent crores of rupees to change the face of Valpoi," he said adding, "The opposition is trying to misguide the people of Valpoi by raising baseless issues, especially during election time."

He further said that he has backed the revolt of Dhave for stopping mining. "I was always with the people and will always remain with the people on this issue," he reiterated.  Coming down heavily on the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Manohar Parrikar, Mr Rane said that the BJP MLA, Mr Rajesh Patnekar and former health minister, Mr Suresh Amonker were not happy with governance during the tenure of Mr Parrikar as chief minister.

Mr Parrikar failed to give priority to Satari and Bicholim during his regime, he said, adding that some of the best projects have come up in these two constituencies including hospitals, bridge and a Ravindra Bhavan, during his (Mr Rane’s) tenure.

Speaking on the allegations leveled by the BJP against him that he had diverted all the funds to Valpoi constituency, he said the BJP was criticising him as they had no other issue left.

He said that BJP was trying to misguide voters by becoming a ‘paper tiger’ during the election campaign, while the Congress party was working on the policy of positive and progressive governance. "I have a vision to work for the people under the guidance of Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat, for development of this constituency," he said. Concluding the press conference, Mr Rane said, "I would merely say that, rather than criticising my opponent, I have preferred to seek votes on development work undertaken by me in three years. My voters are aware of these and will give a proper verdict..(NT)