Panaji. After a long time there was an election in Goa in which former Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar did not participate. CNN-News18 interviewed some motorcycle taxi drivers to understand the mood of the people during the election. Yellow boarded motorcycles are often used as a means of transport in Panjim and Panaji. In Goa elections, motorcycle pilots clearly said that they felt the absence of Manohar Parrikar.
Narendra, who worked as a motorcycle pilot for nearly two decades, said that ‘we miss Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Manohar Parrikar a lot. There will never be another CM like him. Narendra just wants that the new government should also keep in mind the livelihood of the poor. He said that ‘we don’t really care whose government is formed. We want the new government to ensure that we do not go hungry. Keeping Narendra’s sentiment in front, another motorcycle pilot Syed Subhan said that when Parrikar was the CM, he gave us Rs 2,000 per month. CM Pramod Sawant should have continued this. We also have to take care of our families. They should bring back this plan.
Prashant Naik, now a local star among motorcycle pilots, said he was picked by Rahul Gandhi for his ride in Panjim in November last year. After that he became famous. Talking about his experience, Prashant said that “he feels very excited and honored that a man of Rahul Gandhi’s stature has chosen a simple man like him to ride a motorcycle.” Prashant Naik said that ‘that experience was very good for me. During the visit, Rahul asked me what are our problems. He asked me to come to the Congress office and put forth my problems on behalf of the pilots of Goa. Prashant told that ‘I was hesitant, but I said a lot about politics.’
While Vishwajit V, a local resident and friend of motorcycle pilots near the prestigious Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church in Panjim, feels that the BJP has worked towards the development of the state. He has given good roads and has tried to help people especially during the pandemic. Vishwajeet said that ‘BJP should continue this work. Progress has been made under his rule. But Vishwajeet wants that the CM should be changed. ‘He is not like Manohar Parrikar and cannot match Parrikar’s administrative abilities.’
