Cong opposes forcible installation of Smart Meters
CURCHOREM, Oct 16: The Gõy Rakhonn Yatra entered its 23rd day on Friday, witnessing massive public participation and enthusiastic support from Congress workers as it travelled through Sanvordem and Curchorem. Congress leaders launched a sharp attack on the BJP government over alleged corruption, deteriorating law and order, the mining crisis, unemployment, environmental destruction and the neglect of essential public services.
The AICC Incharge, Mr Manickrao Thakare, Co incharge Dr. Anjali Nimbalkar, GPCC President, Mr Girish Chodankar, LoP, Mr Yuri Alemao, MP Capt. Viriato Fernandes,Working Presidents, Mr MLA Altone D’Costa, Mr Sunil Kawthankar, Mr MK Shaikh, Ex Minister, Mr Domnic Fernandes Vice Presidents Ms Pramod Salgaonkar, Beena Naik,Vithoba Desai, Subhash Faldesai, General Secretary Varad Mardolkar, Janardhan Bhandari,Amarnath Panjikar, Himanshu Tivrekar, Pratiksha Khalap, Archit Naik, Rajan Ghate, District Presidents Rajesh Verekar, Mangaldas Naik, Assiz Noronha, Sevadal incharge Kalpana Joshi, Savordem Block President Sanket Bhandari, Curchorem Block President Sanjay Desai, Balkrishna Hodarkar, Pushkal Sawant, Parag Sabnis , Hassan Mansoor and other Leaders and thousands of Yatris were present for the Yatra.
Addressing the gathering, Congress leaders claimed that the overwhelming response to the Yatra reflected growing public dissatisfaction with the BJP government and expressed confidence that Congress would return to power in the 2027 Assembly elections.
Mr Thakare praised the enthusiasm and dedication of Congress workers in Sanvordem and Curchorem, describing the public response as highly encouraging.
He alleged that widespread corruption, administrative failures and the deterioration of law and order had fuelled public anger against the BJP government.
Referring to reports of Sawant’s possible move to Delhi, Mr Thakare claimed that this reflected the changing political situation in Goa and expressed confidence that Congress would win the upcoming Assembly elections.
Mr Chodankar launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant and Minister , Mr Vishwajit Rane, describing them as the “number one duo” allegedly responsible for selling Goa’s land and resources. He said that Congress had undertaken the Gõy Rakhonn Yatra to fight against the destruction of Goa’s environment, identity and natural resources.
Mr Chodankar accused the BJP government of bringing mining activities to a halt and pushing thousands of mining-dependent families, particularly stakeholders from the Bahujan Samaj, into financial hardship without providing adequate relief.
Mr Chodankar further alleged that the income of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and his ministers had increased by 235%, questioning the government’s priorities while ordinary Goans continued to struggle.
Strongly opposing the forcible installation of smart meters, he warned the government against imposing decisions on people without addressing their concerns.
Taking a dig at the Sarkar Tumchya Dari programme, Mr Chodankar alleged that the BJP government remembered the people only when elections approached, while ignoring their grievances during the rest of its tenure.
Mr Alemao said that Curchorem had witnessed significant development during the Congress regime, but alleged that corruption was now taking place in the name of development under the BJP government.
He criticised the government over the shortage of doctors and essential facilities in hospitals, mounting garbage problems, deteriorating roads and increasing traffic congestion.
Alemao further alleged that Curchorem had become a centre for drug-related activities because the BJP had taken the people for granted.
Referring to the alleged ₹35,000 crore mining scam, Alemao said that despite his demand for the Public Accounts Committee report, no such report had been made available to him. He also accused the BJP government of damaging Goa’s environment.
He asserted that Congress had never divided people on religious or caste lines and remained committed to taking all party workers together.
He said that the overwhelming participation of people from Sanvordem and Curchorem in the Gõy Rakhonn Yatra clearly demonstrated their desire for political change.
AICC Secretary and Goa Desk Co-incharge Dr Anjali Nimbalkar expressed serious concern over atrocities against women, stating that incidents of violence and sexual assault were being reported not only in Goa but across the country.
She raised allegations of sexual assault involving the son of a BJP leader in Curchorem and demanded accountability and justice for the alleged victims.
Mr D’Costa expressed confidence that Congress would win the Curchorem Assembly seat in the 2027 elections. He said that the party was determined to ensure that Curchorem elected a Congress MLA.
Former Minister Domnic Fernandes demanded the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner, alleging serious irregularities in the electoral process.
He highlighted the construction of sports complexes and the establishment of a polytechnic as major developmental initiatives undertaken during his tenure.
Former Municipal Chairperson Mr Balkrishna Hodarkar criticised the BJP government over the deteriorating condition of roads and the lack of basic amenities in Curchorem, stating that residents had suffered due to prolonged neglect.
He said that despite the existence of a hospital building, people continued to struggle because essential medical facilities were unavailable
He further said that the sewerage project had become a nightmare for local residents, causing immense inconvenience and hardship.
Hodarkar asserted that people were no longer afraid of the local BJP MLA and expressed confidence that Congress would form the government in Goa in 2027.
Former Curchorem Block Congress President Pushkal Sawant expressed concern over the growing drug menace in Curchorem, stating that it posed a serious threat to the safety and future of the younger generation.
He said that Congress would prioritise the safety and security of women and children.
Sawant also raised concerns over the destruction of agricultural fields, stressing the need to protect farmland and preserve the livelihoods of local farmers.
Curchorem Block Congress President Sanjay Dessai said that the overwhelming support extended by the people of Goa to the Gõy Rakhonn Yatra had strengthened the Congress Party and given its workers renewed confidence and determination to work towards political change in 2027.
The Sanvordem Block Congress President, Mr Sanket Bhandari said that the people of Sanvordem and Congress workers had awakened and were united in their determination to bring political change.
Throughout the 23rd day of the Yatra, Congress leaders highlighted issues affecting Sanvordem and Curchorem, including the prolonged mining crisis, environmental degradation, unemployment, drug-related concerns, healthcare deficiencies, garbage management, sewerage problems and deteriorating infrastructure.
The leaders reiterated their commitment to protecting Goa’s land, environment, culture and identity while addressing the grievances of mining-dependent families, farmers, women, youth and other affected communities.
The Programme was Compered by Amaranth Panjikar, Welcomed by Sanjay Dessai and Gautam Bhandari proposed vote of thanks.
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