Team Goemkarponn
CANACONA: While the formation of Goa’s third district has been welcomed in some quarters, Canacona taluka has strongly opposed its inclusion in the newly announced Kushawati District, with leaders warning of a historic agitation if the decision is not reversed.
Goa Forward Party (GFP) General Secretary and Poinguinim ZP candidate Prashant Naik criticized the government for rushing the decision without consulting the public or elected representatives, including MLAs, ZPs, municipalities, and panchayats.
“The demand for a third district was originally proposed by late Ravi Naik with Ponda as the headquarters. Yet, the government has done something entirely different, including Canacona taluka. GFP and the people of Canacona strongly condemn this declaration. We will oppose it tooth and nail,” Naik said.
GFP Environment Cell Chairman Vbikas Bhagat added, “Canacona will not accept decisions imposed without its consent! Form as many districts as you like, but keep us out. We question whether a third district is even necessary given Goa’s limited size and population. Such decisions cannot be imposed unilaterally without understanding public sentiment and administrative realities.”
Congress leader and Canacona assembly candidate Janardhan Bhandari highlighted the confusion over the district’s naming—initially ‘Chandrapur’, then ‘Atal’, and finally ‘Kushawati’—and urged proper planning for any new districts. “Don’t include Canacona in the third district. Keep us in South Goa. Our MLA must understand people’s issues and raise his voice rather than remain silent,” he said.
Bhagat further expressed disappointment with Canacona MLA and Minister Ramesh Tawadkar, questioning his role in the decision. “If he opposed the proposal, why did the Chief Minister proceed ignoring the views of Canacona and its MLA? The time has come for Minister Tawadkar to clarify his stand publicly. The people deserve transparency, accountability, and honesty from their elected representative.”
The strong resistance in Canacona highlights the need for dialogue before any administrative restructuring, with leaders warning the government of a vigorous public response.
