Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) presented a scathing report card of the BJP-led government in Benaulim, claiming that the ruling party’s sole achievement in 2024 has been its ability to orchestrate a range of scams.
Addressing the media at the AAP office in Benaulim, Capt. Venzy Viegas remarked, “If there were an award for the best state for scams, the Goa BJP government would win it hands down.”
Criticising the government’s poor performance across departments, Viegas accused it of failing to resolve long-pending issues from 2023, adding that Goa is entering 2025 with the same unresolved problems.
He highlighted the negligence in infrastructure development, saying that while bridges were built, the government failed to maintain existing highways and roads, leading to numerous accidents, fatalities, and hospitalisations.
Viegas urged the government to shift its focus to human development in 2025, emphasising the need for reforms in Goa’s healthcare sector.
“The state faces a critical shortage of specialist doctors and insufficient medical seats for Goans aspiring to pursue careers in medicine. Health infrastructure must be improved immediately, with primary health centers, community health centers, and the South Goa District Hospital in urgent need of upgrades and additional manpower,” he said.
Viegas labeled 2024 as the “dangerous year for the environment,” citing illegal land conversion scams, hill cutting, and CRZ violations as examples.
He added, “This is what happens when you hand over the keys to a thief.”
He also criticised the BJP’s poor governance in the law and order sector. Referring to the Sulaiman case, police involvement in job scams, Viegas said the Home Department’s inefficiency and mismanagement have weakened public trust in the system.
Highlighting the state’s mismanagement of the tourism sector, AAP Vice President Gerson Gomes criticised the government for blaming influencers for Goa’s deteriorating reputation.
“Instead of improving tourism infrastructure, the government shifts blame. Goa has lost its appeal to quality international tourists, with travelers opting for other countries. This government forced the Sunburn Festival on the people, despite opposition, and yet another youth lost his life allegedly due to a drug overdose. Hasn’t this event has become less about music and more about promoting a drug culture?,” Gomes asked.
AAP VP Prashant Naik underscored other unresolved issues, such as the excise scam at state check posts exposed by the AAP earlier this year.
“Every Govt before this extended license of casinos only 6 months at a time. What relationship does Sawant have with casinos that he extended their licenses till 2027 directly?” he asked.
He also slammed the government for its inaction on the Mhadei water dispute, double-tracking of railway, and contamination of River Sal. “The government’s silence on these critical matters reflects its incompetence and apathy,” he remarked.
