Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: In a powerful show of political resolve, the Goa Pradesh Congress Committee today launched the Samvidhan Bachao Abhiyan protest at Azad Maidan, Panaji, rallying citizens from across the state to stand against what it described as the BJP government’s “systematic betrayal of Goa and its people.”
Led by Goa Congress President Amit Patkar, the protest aimed to spotlight what the party claims are the core failures of the current administration—ranging from a deepening drug crisis and rising unemployment to rampant corruption and erosion of Goan identity.
Addressing a gathering of supporters, Patkar said, “This is not just a protest—it is a declaration of war against the betrayal of Goa’s identity. The BJP government has failed to uphold governance, justice, and equality.”
The Congress accused the BJP government of turning a blind eye to the growing drug menace, claiming that international drug cartels are operating with impunity, putting Goa’s youth at risk and tarnishing the state’s tourism image.
Unemployment was another key issue raised. According to the Congress, over 12,000 youth join the job market each year, only to be met with a shrinking job pool and increasing preference for non-Goan hires in major industries.
“The land that belongs to Goans is being sold off to corporate giants. Promises of jobs and development remain unfulfilled. What we see is rising land prices, joblessness, and mass disillusionment,” Patkar said.
Allegations of injustice and discrimination were also central to the protest. The Congress cited increasing cases of atrocities against women, Dalits, and tribal communities, asserting that the law-and-order system has failed to protect the vulnerable.
The party also raised the issue of unpaid dues amounting to Rs 350 crore from the casino industry, accusing the government of shielding large corporations while burdening common citizens with higher taxes.
“The government’s moral and administrative failure is evident. It has prioritized mega-projects over basic needs like water, power, and roads. Goa deserves better,” the Congress President added.
The protest concluded with a clarion call to all Goans to “stand for Goa, justice, and the Constitution,” framing the rally not merely as political dissent but as a movement to reclaim the state’s cultural and democratic soul.
