Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The alleged threat issued to a journalist during the Shiv Mahotsav 2026 event at Satpal Ground, Sacorda, Dharbandora, has sparked widespread condemnation from political leaders and media bodies across Goa.
Archit Naik, President of the Goa Pradesh Youth Congress, strongly condemned the remark made against journalists during the event in Sanvordem, calling it a direct attack on press freedom. He stated that such comments are an attempt to intimidate members of the media for performing their professional duties.
Naik said the incident reflects growing intolerance towards accountability and criticism, adding that the media is the fourth pillar of democracy and any attempt to silence journalists amounts to an attack on democratic values. The Youth Congress has demanded an immediate apology and urged the government to ensure protection of press freedom.
Leader of the Goa Forward Party, Vijai Sardesai, also condemned the incident, describing it as an attack on democracy. He alleged that the individual who issued the threat is the BJP’s ST Morcha President and said that instead of issuing warnings, the leader should focus on effective implementation of ST reservations.
Sardesai further accused the BJP of misusing government machinery and alleged that government servants, MLAs and public funds are being used to intimidate the media. He demanded that the BJP state president take immediate action against the ZP member and warned that failure to do so would expose the party’s stance on democratic values.
The Goa Union of Journalists (GUJ) also strongly condemned the incident, specifically naming BJP ZP member Mohan Gaonkar. GUJ termed the act as a direct attack on democracy, particularly as the remarks were made from a government stage during a function organised by the Department of Information and Publicity, which is responsible for the welfare of journalists.
GUJ demanded an immediate apology from Gaonkar and sought intervention from Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who also holds the Information and Publicity portfolio. The body asserted that attempts to intimidate or silence the media in Goa will not be tolerated.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said he would inquire into the incident in which the threat was allegedly issued during the Shiv Mahotsav event. He assured that appropriate action would be taken after reviewing the matter.
