Team Goemkarponn
SANGUEM: The Goy Rakhonn Yatra entered its 22nd day on Thursday with a strong public response in Sanguem, as Congress leaders launched a sharp attack on the BJP government over mining closure, the shutdown of the Sanjivani Sugar Factory, tribal welfare funds, water scarcity, unemployment and alleged corruption.
The Congress leaders expressed confidence that the party would win the Sanguem Assembly constituency in the 2027 elections, ending 26 years without a Congress MLA and ushering in what they described as a new era of development, social justice and accountable governance.
The padyatra witnessed the participation of AICC Goa Desk In-charge Manikrao Thakare, AICC Co-In-charge Dr Anjali Nimbalkar, GPCC President Girish Chodankar, Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao, Working Presidents M.K. Shaikh and Sunil Kawthankar, along with several party leaders, office-bearers, workers and supporters.
Congress leaders alleged that Sanguem had been deprived of adequate development despite contributing significantly to Goa’s water and mineral resources. They claimed that mining-dependent families, farmers and tribal communities continued to face economic hardship, unemployment and inadequate basic amenities.
GPCC President Girish Chodankar thanked the people for their participation and said the response to the yatra reflected growing public dissatisfaction with the BJP government.
Targeting local MLA Subhash Phal Dessai, Chodankar questioned why Sanguem continued to face water scarcity despite supplying water to other parts of Goa. He accused the government of neglecting ordinary residents and failing to ensure equitable development.
Chodankar also raised concerns over the allocation of liquor and wine shops at Goa’s airports, alleged irregularities in the liquor trade and corruption in government recruitment, including the alleged cash-for-jobs scam.
Referring to the mining shutdown in 2012, he blamed the BJP for the hardships faced by mining-dependent families. He also alleged that the closure of the Sanjivani Sugar Factory had jeopardised the interests of farmers and workers.
On tribal welfare, Chodankar questioned the utilisation of approximately ₹3,200 crore earmarked for Scheduled Tribe communities and demanded accountability over whether the intended benefits had reached beneficiaries. He also raised allegations concerning the expenditure on Prerna Din celebrations.
Chodankar further questioned the BJP’s position on earlier allegations of a ₹35,000-crore mining scam involving Minister Digambar Kamat, which he said had been raised by BJP leaders when Kamat was in the opposition.
He called upon Scheduled Tribe communities to question the government over welfare spending, land rights and the continuing hardships faced by tribal families.
AICC Goa Desk In-charge Manikrao Thakare expressed confidence that Congress would win Sanguem in the 2027 Assembly elections and appealed to voters to support the party.
Thakare accused the BJP government of failing to grant land ownership rights to tribal communities and criticised Chief Minister Pramod Sawant over alleged neglect of Goa’s land, forests and environment.
He also expressed concern over law and order and the lack of development in Sanguem, despite years of BJP rule.
Referring to the public response to the Goy Rakhonn Yatra, Thakare said the movement reflected growing dissatisfaction with the government and asserted that voters would seek political change in 2027.
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao recalled the development initiatives undertaken in Sanguem during the tenure of his father, former minister Joaquim Alemao, who had served as the constituency’s Palak Mantri.
He cited road development, implementation of government schemes, construction of a burial ground for the Muslim community, housing repairs for Scheduled Tribe families under the RDA scheme and the beautification of temples and churches.
Alemao criticised the BJP government over the continuing hardships faced by mining-dependent families and accused the local MLA of pursuing vendetta politics instead of addressing public grievances.
He also alleged that the government was using religious divisions for political gains and failing to protect tribal welfare interests.
Expressing concern over land sales in Sanguem, Alemao stressed the need to safeguard Goa’s land, identity and natural resources. He assured residents that Congress would field a popular and capable candidate in the constituency and pledged to personally monitor Sanguem’s long-pending issues.
Scheduled Tribe leader Satyawan Gaonkar called for unity among Congress workers and supporters, saying the party needed to work collectively to end Sanguem’s 26-year political drought.
He accused the BJP of treating tribal communities as a vote bank while neglecting their rights, welfare and development.
Another tribal leader, Satyawan Talwadkar, highlighted the plight of farmers, sugarcane growers and mining-dependent families following the closure of the Sanjivani Sugar Factory and mining operations. He alleged that the government had failed to provide adequate relief and alternative employment opportunities.
Chanda Velip raised concerns over rising prices, the difficulties faced by dairy farmers and a lack of employment opportunities for Scheduled Tribe communities. She alleged that economically weaker families were struggling to sustain their livelihoods.
Congress leader Jitendra Naik criticised the government over what he described as unfulfilled development promises. He also questioned the impact of large commercial projects on Sanguem’s water resources, alleging that local residents were facing increasing scarcity.
Dr Shankar Nadkarni accused the government of exploiting Sanguem’s water and iron ore resources without ensuring adequate benefits for local communities.
Recalling his participation in Goa’s historic Opinion Poll movement alongside Dr Jack Sequeira, Nadkarni urged residents to protect Goa’s identity and make an informed choice in the next Assembly elections.
Congress leader Amit Naik also appealed to party workers to remain united, citing development initiatives undertaken during the tenure of Yuri Alemao and his father.
Throughout the yatra, Congress leaders highlighted mining-related livelihood losses, agricultural distress, unemployment, rising prices, water scarcity and the protection of tribal land rights as key issues requiring urgent attention.
The programme was compered by Amarnath Panjikar, while Diago Fernandes welcomed the gathering and Rajanikant Naik proposed the vote of thanks.
The 22nd day of the Goy Rakhonn Yatra concluded with Congress leaders pledging to prioritise employment, agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure, tribal welfare and transparent governance.
The party expressed confidence that the growing public response would translate into electoral support in 2027, enabling Congress to end its 26-year absence from the Sanguem Assembly constituency.
