Highlighting the plight of the common man, Goa TMC General Secretary Gilroy Costa, Goa TMC Media Coordinator Trajano D’Mello, and Goa TMC Youth Coordinator Anthony Peixoto slammed the Pramod Sawant-led BJP government for the overall collapse of administration in the state and vehemently condemned the appalling state of affairs during a press conference at the party office.
Taking on the BJP government heavily for its apathy towards incidents of assault and cheating, Goa TMC Media Coordinator Trajano D’Mello said, ‘The BJP government has not only destroyed our democracy and freedom of speech but also our administration. The government’s apathy is a clear indication of its disregard for the safety and well-being of its citizens and visitors. The chief minister, who is also the home minister, did not utter a single word on the incident involving a Japanese tourist who was allegedly assaulted and cheated by someone impersonating as a cop in Goa. He further added, ‘The failure to register an FIR in the case of the assault on the Japanese tourist and the tourism minister’s silence on the matter is alarming, and it raises questions about the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law. The state’s police department, which is responsible for maintaining law and order, must investigate such incidents thoroughly and ensure that justice is served.’
Bringing to the fore the issue of double tracking and Goa’s environment, D’Mello asserted, ‘The BJP government’s decision to push for double tracking, despite the warnings from experts about the damage it could cause to heritage sites and houses, is a blatant disregard for the people of Goa. He added, ‘The discovery of 600 Gelatin sticks in a hill cutting site raises serious concerns about the government’s negligence and complicity in illegal activities.
Pointing out the rising cases of crimes in the state, D’Mello emphasized, ‘The state’s reputation as a safe haven for criminals is worrying. The authorities must take strict action to prevent criminals from using Goa as a hideout and the recent extortion attempt by 11 people from Hyderabad further raises questions about the government’s ability to maintain law and order in the state. Adding on he said, ‘The increase in the number of casinos and the opening of a bar at Fort Aguada raises questions about the government’s priorities and its commitment to preserving the sanctity of the state’s heritage sites.’
Launching a scathing attack against the BJP, D’Mello said, ‘The BJP government’s obsession with profiting from tourism is evident in the recent decision to open a bar at Fort Aguada, a place that has historical significance and was a site of immense sacrifice and struggle during the country and state’s liberation. It is unacceptable that the government is willing to compromise the sanctity of such a place for commercial gain. Elaborating further he said, ‘The lack of proper infrastructure, including good roads, is causing accidents and putting citizens’ lives at risk. The government’s failure to address these issues is a clear indication of their lack of concern for the welfare of the people of Goa.’
Goa TMC demands Chief Minister Pramod Sawant immediately withdraw the license for the bar at Fort Aguada and that the BJP-led government prioritize citizens’ safety and well-being over commercial gain.