Panaji, July 8: Prominent social worker and OBC leader from Priol, Nonu Naik, joined the Indian National Congress on Wednesday at the GPCC headquarters in Panaji in the presence of senior party leaders.

 

Welcoming Naik into the party, GPCC President Girish Chodankar alleged that the BJP government had “betrayed” the Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes and OBC communities, calling it a “Bahujan Virodhi Government.” He claimed the BJP failed to fulfil its promise of implementing Assembly reservation for Scheduled Tribes and denied adequate representation to STs, SCs and OBCs in public recruitment. Chodankar also alleged that nearly ₹10,000 crore earmarked under the Tribal Sub-Plan had been diverted over the past five years instead of being used for tribal welfare.

GPCC Working President Adv. Carlos Alvares Ferreira said Nonu Naik’s induction reflected growing public confidence in the Congress as a credible alternative to the BJP and expressed confidence that his grassroots connect would strengthen the party in the Priol constituency.

Speaking after joining the party, Nonu Naik said he was inspired by the Congress’ commitment to democracy, Goa’s interests and the welfare of common people. He pledged to strengthen the organisation at the grassroots and expand the party’s reach across Priol.

The induction programme was attended by several Congress leaders, including District President Mangaldas Naik, Block President Gurudas Korgaonkar, OBC Department Chairman Sharad Chopdekar, Adivasi Department Chairman Ramkrishna Jalmi, and other office bearers and party workers.