Wave of political change growing in Goa: Chodankar

SANGUEM, Oct 16: The Goy Rakhonn Yatra entered its 22nd day on Thursday, drawing an overwhelming public response in Sanguem as Congress leaders launched a scathing attack on the BJP government over alleged corruption, exploitation of natural resources, denial of tribal land rights, unemployment and neglect of essential infrastructure.

Expressing confidence that Congress would form the next government in 2027, party leaders vowed to end Sanguem’s 26-year political drought without a Congress MLA and usher in a new era of development, employment opportunities, social justice and protection of tribal rights.

The leaders alleged that Sanguem, despite contributing valuable water and mineral resources to Goa, had been systematically deprived of adequate development, employment and basic amenities. They accused the BJP government of pushing mining-dependent families, farmers and tribal communities into financial distress while ignoring their long-standing grievances.

The massive padyatra witnessed the participation of AICC Goa Desk In-charge, Mr Manikrao Thakare, AICC Co-In-charge Dr Anjali Nimbalkar, GPCC President, Mr Girish Chodankar, Leader of Opposition, Mr Yuri Alemao, Working Presidents: Mr M K Shaikh and Mr Sunil Kawthankar, Media Chairman, Mr Amarnath Panjikar, Social Media Chairman, Mr Himanshu Tivrekar, Mahila Congress President. Ms Pratiksha Khalap, Youth Congress President, Mr Archit Naik, Sevadal Chief, Mr Rajan Ghate, District President, Mr Rajesh Verekar, Block President, Mr Diago Fernandes, Congress leaders Josephine Fernandes and Janardhan Bhandari, Pralay Bhagat, Scheduled Tribe leaders Satyawan Gaonkar and Satyawan Talwadkar, social worker Amit Naik, Dr. Shankar Nadkarni, C.M. Fernandes, Chanda Velip, Rajanikant Naik, Jitendra Naik, Sanguem Youth President Yogesh Gaonkar and other Congress leaders and office-bearers. Thousands of yatris and party workers joined the march, reflecting the growing public enthusiasm for political change and a renewed demand for accountable governance.

Mr Chodankar thanked the people of Sanguem for their overwhelming participation in the Goy Rakhonn Yatra, stating that the enthusiastic response reflected a growing wave of political change across Goa.