Ramgoolam Asserts His Intent to Become PM for 5 Years

During a night congress at Morcellement Saint-André, Navin Ramgoolam, the leader of the Alliance du Changement, declared confidently that he intends to serve as the next Prime Minister of Mauritius for a full term of five years. This statement came in front of supporters and two candidates for the Pamplemousses/Triolet constituency (No 5), Ranjiv Woochit and Kaviraj Rookny.

“I will not serve as Prime Minister for just two or three years, but for a complete five-year term.

If, by chance, something were to happen to me during my tenure, it would still be the Labour Party (PTR) that would hold the Prime Minister’s office,” he asserted.

Ramgoolam urged his supporters not to fall into the traps set by the Alliance Lepep party, emphasizing the importance of unity among the alliance members.

He stated, “We must save our country and avoid splitting the vote. It is crucial to achieve a 3-0 victory in this constituency.”

Drawing a parallel to the epic Mahabharata, Ramgoolam highlighted the significance of the upcoming elections and cautioned against casting sympathy votes, which he believes could harm their campaign.

He criticized incumbent candidate Soodesh Callichurn for attempting to copy his grassroots campaigning efforts after being reprimanded by MSM leadership.

Ramgoolam went further to address issues concerning drug lords and state land being misused for illegal activities.

He claimed that during his mandate, as well as under former leaders like Paul Bérenger and Sir Anerood Jugnauth, no drug baron had been granted state land at Ganga Talao for organizing rave parties in front of Hindu deities.

“That would never have happened on my watch, or even under Sir Anerood Jugnauth. The allocation of land in that area requires Cabinet approval,” he stated fiercely.

Reflecting on the Maha Shivaratree festival, he noted that there were no fatalities during pilgrimages under his leadership, attributing this to proactive measures he had taken, such as inspecting high-voltage power lines to ensure safety.

Ramgoolam expressed sorrow over recent tragedies, implying that inadequate oversight has now led to unnecessary risks for devotees.

Turning to current political dynamics, he remarked that desperation from the leader of MSM has led to communal tactics, suggesting that if Alliance du Changement wins, Ramgoolam will become President and Bérenger will be Prime Minister.

“But democracy requires that it is the people who decide,” he stressed.

He also reminisced about his political beginnings in the 1990s, contrasting his campaigning efforts against the abolition of the Privy Council with the changing political landscape.

“In the coming weeks, you will hear many narratives about me, but I will remain steadfast,” he affirmed, recalling his own recovery from COVID-19 and attributing his survival to a divine purpose.

Ranjiv Woochit, speaking after Ramgoolam, assured potential voters that if the Alliance du Changement is successful, it will implement a reduction in fuel and goods prices, halt the depreciation of the rupee, and address the rising drug problem.

Observing the enthusiastic turnout at the meeting, he remarked, “This crowd shows that the tide has turned.”

Kaviraj Rookny added his voice to the discussion, addressing the devastating impact of drugs on youth and prevailing insecurity in the country.

Prior to the meeting, the candidates participated in a door-to-door campaign across Morcellement Saint-André.

As they arrived, they were greeted with traditional drumming and chants of “Ale Navin!” from their supporters.

Source: Le Mauricien