Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) President Girish Chodankar has rejected allegations made by HOABL Impactum Lands Private Limited, asserting that his public statements were made in good faith, in public interest and in keeping with his constitutional responsibility to safeguard Goa’s land, environment and the rights of its people.
In a detailed reply to the company’s communication, Chodankar categorically denied ever linking any individual or the company with its Karapur project. He clarified that his statements only raised legitimate public questions concerning land transactions and governance, which he said every responsible public representative is duty-bound to do.
He alleged that the company had misconstrued his remarks and created a narrative that was never intended or expressed.
Chodankar further stated that the contents of the company’s letter themselves raised important questions, adding that the detailed explanations offered on issues that were never directly alleged created a reasonable apprehension that certain matters warranted greater public scrutiny.
Referring to his comments on international real estate associations and issues discussed in the public domain, Chodankar said these observations were based entirely on publicly available information and formed part of legitimate political debate over the support being extended to large-scale projects in Goa despite public opposition.
He maintained that such comments fall within the scope of fair political criticism and democratic accountability.
The GPCC President also rejected the company’s demand for a clarification or retraction, stating that there was no legal or constitutional obligation to do so since his statements were made in good faith on matters of public concern and are protected under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution guaranteeing freedom of speech.
Chodankar reiterated that raising questions on land transactions, environmental impact, statutory permissions and large-scale development projects is an essential part of democratic oversight and necessary to protect Goa’s identity and the interests of its people.
He further stated that nothing contained in the company’s communication should be construed as an admission of liability or wrongdoing on his part and reserved all legal rights, remedies and defences available under law.
“The Congress Party will continue to raise issues concerning Goa’s land, environment and the future of our people without fear or intimidation. No attempt to silence legitimate democratic questioning will deter us from performing our constitutional responsibility,” Chodankar said.
