Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The opposition stepped up its attack on the Goa BJP government over the registration of FIRs following the paper leak protest at Azad Maidan, accusing the administration of targeting students and suppressing democratic dissent.
Congress Working President Sunil Kawthankar questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “zero tolerance” policy on paper leaks, asking whether accountability would also extend to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan or only to students seeking answers.
Kawthankar alleged that police in both Delhi and Goa had assaulted and humiliated peaceful protesters and claimed that false FIRs had been registered against students demanding accountability for the paper leak issue.
Citizens for Democracy also criticised the government’s response to the protests, accusing it of resorting to “British-era methods” to silence public voices. The civil rights group expressed concern over the declining quality of education and alleged that the BJP government’s policies were weakening the education system.
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao strongly condemned the Goa Police FIR against around 1,000 unidentified persons in connection with the Azad Maidan protest. Calling it a misuse of power and an attack on democratic rights, Alemao alleged that the government was attempting to intimidate young protesters and vowed that the fight for justice would continue.
The Congress also took a dig at the BJP over the turnout at its protest rally. Referring to heavy rain that disrupted the programme, Kawthankar shared photographs comparing a Congress march with a smaller BJP gathering, claiming the downpour dispersed the BJP’s supporters. He further alleged that while the Congress relied on committed workers, the BJP depended on paid crowds.
Meanwhile, the Goa Forward Party (GFP) announced that it would provide legal assistance to students facing police cases arising from the recent protests. The party said students could seek legal support through Advocate Viraj.
GFP President Vijai Sardesai said the BJP government’s response to peaceful democratic dissent had been intimidation rather than dialogue. He alleged that filing FIRs against students and citizens for peacefully demanding justice amounted to an attack on constitutional rights and the freedom to protest.
The paper leak controversy continues to fuel political confrontation in Goa, with opposition parties demanding accountability, withdrawal of cases against students, and protection of citizens’ democratic right to peaceful protest.
