Congress Slams BJP Over Public Safety Failures, Demands Halt to Monsoon Tourism in High-Risk Zone

Team Goemkarponn

PANAJI: Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) President Amit Patkar on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led state government, accusing it of gross negligence and playing politics with public safety. In a press statement, Patkar condemned the government’s promotion of monsoon tourism in high-risk areas, despite clear orders from the District Magistrate prohibiting access to dangerous waterfalls during the rainy season. He specifically targeted BJP MLA and Goa Forest Development Corporation (GFDC) Chairperson Dr. Deviya Rane, alleging that she had openly defied the ban in an attempt to gain publicity.

Patkar said that the state continues to mourn the loss of innocent lives due to administrative failures and lack of accountability. He cited several recent tragedies, including the death of lineman Chandru Gaonkar due to electrocution while working without basic safety equipment, and the critical condition of Sarvesh Gaonkar under similar circumstances. He also pointed to the deaths of Swapnil Chindarkar and Maruti Jadhav in an incident involving MVR Infra, a company he accused the government of protecting. Additionally, Patkar referenced the Sirigao Jatra stampede, where six devotees lost their lives and over 70 were injured due to poor crowd management, and the MV K-Cat cruise boat fire on the Mandovi river, which exposed serious lapses in marine safety standards.

Calling the BJP’s actions a “death trap wrapped in PR,” Patkar demanded an immediate rollback of all monsoon tourism promotions in vulnerable areas. He further called for strict implementation of the District Magistrate’s directives and criminal accountability for any future incidents resulting from what he termed as reckless governance. Patkar concluded by stating that Goa does not need another crisis manufactured by the BJP, but rather, leadership that values human life and safety over photo opportunities.