Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Goa has strongly criticised the BJP-led state government, alleging that Goa is slipping into a state of “Gundaraj” under Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s rule. The party claimed that rising crime and political interference have eroded public trust in law enforcement, turning the police into “political instruments instead of protectors.”
AAP National Spokesperson Valmiki Naik accused the BJP government of destroying Goa’s reputation and public safety. He alleged that there is “no longer fear of the police” due to political interference. “The BJP is running a gunda government and has turned the police into goons. Be it the Pernem firing or the brutal assault on Edberg Pereira, police officials are involved,” Naik said.
He further stated that Goa’s image has been tarnished both nationally and internationally. “BJP has damaged Goa’s reputation across India and abroad. Bouncers are attacking tourists in Anjuna, and videos are going viral. Who will feel safe visiting Goa now?” Naik asked, while demanding the Chief Minister’s resignation for his alleged failure to maintain law and order.
AAP leader Sandesh Teleikar Dessai said the state’s situation has worsened, accusing the government of neglect. “The protectors have turned into attackers. The Chief Minister is busy with events while people live in fear. The BJP government has turned the Goa Police into political instruments instead of protectors,” Dessai said.
He added that people no longer feel safe approaching the police, claiming that “instead of protecting citizens, they threaten them.”
AAP also cited a series of recent crimes that, it said, reflect Goa’s deteriorating security situation, including chain snatching in Navelim, a murder case in Pirna, a tourist assault in Anjuna, a dacoity in Dona Paula, a gun firing incident in Pernem, custodial assault in Navelim, thefts in Porvorim and Chinchinim, a gang war in Mungul, and a fight outside a police station in Panjim.
Concluding the statement, Naik said, “Goa is not safe anymore — not for locals, not for tourists. BJP’s double engine has failed to protect Goa.”
