Independence Day Hypocrisy: Goa Government Must Come Clean on 3-Day Rave Event in Mandrem
PANAJI: Goa Pradesh Mahila Congress President Dr. Pratiksha Khalap has questioned the Goa Government over the “Freedom Blast 2026” event advertised at Westend Jungle, Mandrem, from August 14 to 16, coinciding with the Independence Day weekend.
Dr. Khalap said Mahila Congress is not opposed to music, tourism or responsible celebrations, but the government must ensure that all permissions, safety measures and statutory requirements are strictly followed for a large multi-day event.
She demanded clarity on who granted the permissions, whether the venue has been inspected by police, fire and local authorities, and what arrangements are in place for traffic, crowd control, fire safety, emergency medical response and women’s safety.
“Goans have a right to know whether every statutory requirement has been fulfilled. The Chief Minister repeatedly says ‘Bhivpachi garaz na’. But has the government actually verified the safety, traffic, fire and law-and-order arrangements for an event of this scale?” Dr. Khalap asked.
What about Goa’s drug crisis?
Dr. Khalap said the government’s claims of fighting drugs make these questions even more important.
“A government that claims to be fighting drugs cannot afford gaps in enforcement. What specific measures are in place to prevent narcotics from entering or being used at such large events?” she asked.
She questioned whether Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane and Mandrem MLA Jit Arolkar are aware of the event and the arrangements being made.
“If they are aware, what measures have they directed to ensure public and women’s safety? If they are not aware, then it raises serious questions about coordination and accountability in the administration.”
Dr. Khalap clarified that Mahila Congress was not prejudging the event or alleging any offence by the organisers.
“Our demand is simple: make the permissions and safety arrangements transparent and tell the people of Goa who is responsible for oversight.”
“Goa cannot have two faces—one claiming a war against drugs while remaining silent when legitimate questions are raised about safeguards around major rave events. Enforcement must be consistent, not selective.”
She said tourism and entertainment are important to Goa, but they cannot come at the cost of women’s safety, public order or the fight against narcotics.
“The people of Goa deserve transparency and accountability. The government must come clean on the permissions, safety protocols, traffic arrangements, fire preparedness, medical facilities and narcotics-prevention measures for the Mandrem event.”
Dr. Pratiksha Khalap
President, Goa Pradesh Mahila Congress
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