Panji: The Chief Minister of Goa Pramod Sawant has slammed opposition parties for promoting "nepotism." Instead of 'family-raj,' Chief Minister said on Tuesday that political parties should promote women and youth in politics outside their family clan.

He was referring to the Congress, which has yet to decide on a permanent president after Rahul Gandhi stepped down following the party's poor performance in the 2019 general elections. "I request that all political parties encourage women and youth to participate in public life rather than picking up from 'family,'" Sawant said, adding that talented and hardworking women and youth should be promoted into politics.

Sawant was speaking on the sidelines of a national parliament conference commemorating the 60th anniversary of Goa's independence from Portuguese rule by empowering youth, women, and panchayats. From November 8 to 12, the conference will be divided into three sections: women, youth, and panchayat parliament. Sawant said he has written to all chief ministers and speakers inviting them to participate and requesting that they hold a conference that will empower women and youth in the hopes that such an event will encourage and empower them.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given the slogan 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,' and on the theme of 'Goa at 60,' the state government is working to put more emphasis on women empowerment," the Chief Minister said.

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