Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who arrived in Goa on Friday to attend the sixth anniversary celebrations of the Swayampurna Goa programme, congratulated Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and described the initiative as a model for Viksit Bharat.

Taking aim at the Congress’ ‘Goy Rakhonn Yatra’, Chouhan alleged that the campaign was aimed at protecting political dynasties rather than promoting democracy. He also alleged that Congress itself was posing a threat to democratic institutions.

Chouhan further claimed that Congress had suffered 99 electoral defeats under Rahul Gandhi’s leadership and said the party would soon reach the figure of 100.

The Union Minister also criticised Congress’ objections to the electoral-roll revision exercise, saying that efforts to remove duplicate, deceased and ineligible names from voter lists should not be opposed.

Chouhan made the remarks while addressing programmes held in Goa as part of the sixth-year completion of the Swayampurna Goa initiative.