PANAJI: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convener Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday said the citizens of Goa want an “honest and people-centric politics” in the state, and added that his party will work towards fulfilling their hopes and aspirations.Kejriwal on Saturday held a meeting with the party’s local unit to discuss ways to strengthen the party base in the coastal state.The former Delhi chief minister arrived in Goa on Friday on his three-day-long visit.In a post on X handle, Kejriwal wrote, “Had a lunch meeting today with the Aam Aadmi Party Goa State Committee and held detailed discussions on strengthening the organisation in the state.” “The people of Goa want an honest alternative and people centric politics. Together with the people, we will work to fulfil Goa’s hopes and aspirations,” he added.During the meeting, Kejriwal listened to suggestions from party leaders, who raised concern over large-scale land conversions, destruction of khazan lands and damage to lakes and rivers.These leaders alleged that unchecked development supported by the ruling BJP was harming Goa’s ecology and affecting local livelihoods.Addressing the gathering along with AAP state unit chief Valmiki Naik and Goa in-charge Atishi, Kejriwal urged party functionaries to build a strong grassroots network that genuinely represents the people.“Our strength has always been our connection with people. Strengthen the organisation at the grassroots and become the voice of Goa. Listen to people’s problems, help them raise issues, and ensure those issues are taken to their logical conclusion. Helping people and getting their work done is the real purpose of politics,” Kejriwal said.Naik said Goa was facing “unprecedented assault” on its land, khazans, rivers and lakes, and asserted AAP’s responsibility was to stand with the people and raise these issues fearlessly.“We should further strengthen our organisation and ensure we help people protect their land and fight for their rights,” he said.Atishi said AAP’s politics was rooted in service, honesty and accountability, and stressed local leaders must engage more deeply with communities to understand and resolve their concerns.In the 40-member Goa assembly, the AAP currently has two MLAs.Earlier this month, the AAP faced a major setback after a group of senior leaders, including its ex-state unit president Amit Palekar, acting chief Shrikrishna Parab and three other office-bearers, resigned from the primary membership of the party.Palekar was removed from the post of Goa AAP president late last month after the party faced humiliating defeat in the ZP (district councils) polls, winning just one of the 42 seats it contested in the December 20 elections.
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