Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Goa unit of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Thursday accused the ruling BJP government of using police machinery to suppress dissent during an anti-casino protest in the capital city.
Addressing a press conference, AAP Goa President Valmiki Naik alleged that he was manhandled and selectively targeted by police personnel while attending a meeting at the City Corporation of Panaji (CCP), where citizens had gathered to press for the removal of casinos operating on the Mandovi River.
The delegation had assembled at the CCP office following a meeting reportedly promised by Mayor Rohit Monserrate to discuss public concerns over casinos, including a proposed high-rise vessel in the river.
Naik claimed that police used force to remove him from the public meeting, alleging that the action was politically motivated. “I do not blame the police personnel for the action taken against me. However, I strongly condemn those who hid behind the police force and demonstrated the BJP government’s pressure tactics. When we came to submit our memorandum, even Monserrate did not come forward to accept it,” he said.
Naik further alleged that casinos operating on the Mandovi River enjoy political protection. Referring to past election promises, he claimed that Monserrate had earlier assured voters that casinos would be removed within 100 days if elected, but later joined the BJP after the Assembly results.
Senior AAP leader Sandesh Teliekar-Desai also condemned the alleged police action, terming it suppression of democratic voices. He accused the BJP government of attempting to silence public opposition and warned that such actions would harm Goa’s future.
The BJP has not yet issued a response to the allegations.
