Team Goemkarponn
CURCHOREM: The Gõy Rakhonn Yatra witnessed a massive public response as it entered its 23rd day on Friday, travelling through Sanvordem and Curchorem, with Congress leaders launching a scathing attack on the BJP government over alleged corruption, the mining crisis, deteriorating law and order, unemployment and the neglect of essential public services.
Congress leaders claimed that the enthusiastic participation of people reflected growing dissatisfaction with the BJP government and expressed confidence that the party would return to power in the 2027 Goa Assembly elections.
Among those present were AICC Goa Desk In-charge Manikrao Thakare, Co-in-charge Dr Anjali Nimbalkar, GPCC President Girish Chodankar, Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao, MP Capt. Viriato Fernandes, Working Presidents and MLAs Altone D’Costa, Sunil Kawthankar and MK Shaikh, former minister Domnic Fernandes, vice presidents Pramod Salgaonkar, Beena Naik and Vithoba Desai, along with several other party leaders, office-bearers and thousands of yatris.
Addressing the gatherings, Thakare praised the enthusiasm of Congress workers and alleged that corruption, administrative failures and the deterioration of law and order had fuelled public anger against the BJP government. He accused Chief Minister Pramod Sawant of failing to address the pressing concerns of Goans and claimed that the Yatra had demonstrated growing opposition to the ruling establishment.
Referring to speculation about Sawant’s possible move to Delhi, Thakare said the changing political circumstances reflected the impact of the Yatra. He also praised Rahul Gandhi for raising issues concerning democracy, citizens’ rights and injustice.
GPCC President Girish Chodankar accused Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Minister Vishwajit Rane of being responsible for the alleged sale of Goa’s land and natural resources. He said the Gõy Rakhonn Yatra was aimed at protecting the state’s environment, identity and heritage.
Chodankar alleged that the suspension of mining activities had pushed thousands of mining-dependent families, particularly those from the Bahujan Samaj, into financial hardship without adequate relief. Referring to the alleged ₹35,000-crore mining scam, he questioned the political rehabilitation of leaders who had previously faced corruption allegations.
He also claimed that the declared income of the Chief Minister and his ministers had increased by 235 per cent and questioned the government’s priorities while ordinary citizens continued to face economic difficulties.
Opposing the forcible installation of smart meters, Chodankar said the government should address public concerns before imposing decisions. He also criticised the *Sarkar Tumchya Dari* programme, alleging that the BJP remembered people’s grievances primarily when elections approached.
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao alleged that Curchorem had witnessed considerable development during the Congress regime, but claimed that corruption was now taking place in the name of development under the BJP government.
Alemao highlighted the shortage of doctors and essential healthcare facilities, mounting garbage problems, poor road conditions and increasing traffic congestion. He also expressed concern over drug-related activities in Curchorem, alleging that the government had taken the people for granted.
Highlighting the mining crisis, Alemao said thousands of families had depended on mining for their livelihoods and were now facing economic insecurity following the closure of operations. He referred to the alleged ₹35,000-crore mining scam and said that despite his demand for the Public Accounts Committee report, it had not been made available to him.
Alemao further accused the government of damaging Goa’s environment and borrowing heavily while spending public money on events instead of addressing basic needs. He said Congress remained committed to secular politics and bringing workers together across religious and caste lines. Expressing confidence in Chodankar’s leadership, he said a rejuvenated and united Congress was emerging in Goa.
AICC Secretary and Goa Desk Co-in-charge Dr Anjali Nimbalkar expressed concern over atrocities against women and incidents of violence and sexual assault. She raised allegations concerning a sexual assault case involving the son of a BJP leader in Curchorem and demanded accountability and justice for the alleged victims.
Nimbalkar emphasised the importance of women voters in determining Goa’s political future, stating that women had the power to decide who represented them in the Assembly.
GPCC Working President and MLA Altone D’Costa expressed confidence that Congress would win the Curchorem Assembly constituency in 2027, asserting that the party was determined to secure the seat.
Former minister Domnic Fernandes demanded the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner, alleging irregularities in the electoral process. Recalling his tenure as MLA, he said he had resisted offers to defect from Congress and remained committed to his political principles. He cited the construction of sports complexes and the establishment of a polytechnic among the development initiatives undertaken during his tenure.
Fernandes also raised concerns over unresolved civic issues, particularly garbage management in Curchorem, and called upon people to unite for political change.
Former municipal chairperson Balkrishna Hodarkar criticised the BJP government over deteriorating roads and the lack of basic amenities. He said residents continued to face difficulties despite the existence of a hospital building, owing to the absence of essential medical facilities.
Hodarkar also alleged that the garbage treatment plant had been imposed on Curchorem residents without adequately addressing their concerns. He described the sewerage project as a major source of inconvenience for local residents and expressed confidence that Congress would form the government in Goa in 2027.
Former Curchorem Block Congress President Pushkal Sawant voiced concern over the growing drug menace, warning that it threatened the safety and future of the younger generation. He said Congress would prioritise the security of women and children and called for the protection of agricultural fields and farmers’ livelihoods.
Curchorem Block Congress President Sanjay Dessai said the public response to the Gõy Rakhonn Yatra had strengthened the party and renewed the confidence of its workers to work towards political change in 2027.
