We want leaders from Goa and not brought from outside: Faleiro

Panaji, Aug 25 (PTI) In the backdrop of Delhi-basedleaders from rival political parties campaigning in Goa,Congress state chief Luizinho Faleiro has said his party doesnot need to impose non-Goan leaders on the electorate. "Goa has got its own leaders in respect of politicalparties. Where is the question of imposing some high profileleaders in Goa?" Faleiro said. He was responding to a question on the frequent visits ofAAP national convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwalto Goa and BJP leader Nitin Gadkari’s appointment as in-chargeof the state. He said Congress has got leaders in Goa with mass appeal. "Everybody is a leader in Goa. We don’t believe inimposing leaders from outside. We have to create at least 50per cent new faces during the forthcoming elections," Faleirosaid. "We want leaders to be born in Goa and not brought fromoutside," he said. The Congress leader said Goans are intelligent enough todecide what is good for them. "Kejriwal is elected to take care of Delhi. There areGoans eligible to take care of development of Goa," he said. Echoing similar views, Leader of Opposition PratapsinhRane said, "Leaders from outside will come to Goa and go, butit doesn’t make any difference to the state electorate." "We have seen during the opinion poll time. So manyleaders from outside were coming to Goa asking for merger ofthe state with Maharashtra. But what happened. We remainedindependent," he said. The former chief minister said people sympathise withCongress because they have seen the kind of development theparty has done during its tenure. "Goa is a developed state. The living standard of peoplehere is high. Goans are educated and they will not get carriedaway by leaders from Delhi," he added. PTI RPS GKRCJRYS