“People Asked To Cut Expenses While BJP Government Squanders Taxpayers’ Money On Events & Publicity” : Amarnath Panjikar

“People Asked To Cut Expenses While BJP Government Squanders Taxpayers’ Money On Events & Publicity” : Amarnath Panjikar

Mapusa: Chairman of the Media & Communication Department of Goa Pradesh Congress Committee, Amarnath Panjikar, strongly questioned the BJP Government in Goa over the blatant misuse of taxpayers’ money on musical extravaganzas, publicity events and celebrations at a time when Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself has publicly advised citizens to cut expenditure, reduce consumption and practice austerity due to the prevailing economic situation.

Amarnath Panjikar stated that when common people are struggling with inflation, unemployment, rising fuel prices, increasing household expenses and economic uncertainty, the BJP Government under Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant appears completely disconnected from ground realities and public suffering. Amarnath Panjikar said that instead of focusing on employment generation, controlling prices and strengthening the economy, BJP Ministers are busy organising entertainment shows, publicity spectacles and self-promotion campaigns using public money.

Amarnath Panjikar questioned Panchayat Minister Mauvin Gudinho and Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte over the justification for spending huge amounts of public funds on events like “Dabolim Musical Waves 2026” while citizens are being indirectly asked to sacrifice their spending and adjust their lifestyles. Amarnath Panjikar said that the BJP Government cannot preach austerity to citizens while simultaneously indulging in extravagance at government expense.

Amarnath Panjikar further stated that if the financial condition of the country is serious enough for the Prime Minister to advise people to tighten their belts, then the Goa Government must explain why crores of rupees are being diverted towards entertainment events, publicity festivals and image-building exercises instead of public welfare, healthcare, infrastructure, education and employment opportunities for youth.

Amarnath Panjikar said that this exposes the double standards of the BJP where austerity is meant only for ordinary citizens while luxury, celebrations and publicity are reserved for BJP Governments and Ministers. Amarnath Panjikar demanded that Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant clarify before the people of Goa whether such extravagant expenditure during a period of economic concern is morally and financially justified.