Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: A political controversy has erupted in Goa after former BJP MP and Goa BJP Vice President Narendra Sawaikar’s controversial “termites” remark triggered sharp criticism from Opposition parties, which accused him of insulting the state’s youth and student protesters. The row has intensified despite Sawaikar deleting the social media post, with the Opposition insisting that an unconditional public apology is the only acceptable course of action.
Leading the attack, Congress leader Sunil Kawthankar gave the BJP a 24-hour ultimatum to apologise for the remarks, warning that the party would launch protests if no apology is issued within the stipulated time. He described the statement as an insult to the younger generation and alleged that it reflected the BJP’s “colonial and dictatorial mindset.”
Kawthankar also challenged Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant and BJP Goa President Damu Naik to a public debate on environmental issues, corruption and governance. Referring to the controversy, he said the people of Goa should decide who the real “termites” are — the state’s youth or those in positions of power.
Goa Youth Congress President Archit Naik also condemned the remarks, saying the youth protesting in Delhi were exercising their democratic rights. He termed the comments an attack on young people and questioned the silence of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) and the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) over the issue.
Goa Congress President Amit Palekar said the remarks reflected the BJP’s attitude towards young Goans struggling with unemployment, migration and rising living costs. He demanded an unconditional public apology, stating that the youth deserve respect rather than derogatory labels.
AAP Goa also joined the criticism, with its state president Sunil Kawthankar alleging that those responsible for weakening institutions, damaging the environment and dividing society were the “real termites,” and not the youth raising their voices on public issues.
Velim MLA Cruz Silva also condemned the remarks, calling them “shameful and unacceptable.” He said students exercising their democratic right to protest deserve respect and questioned whether leaders unwilling to make way for the next generation should instead be held accountable.
Amid mounting political pressure and widespread criticism on social media, Sawaikar deleted the controversial Facebook post. However, Opposition leaders maintained that removing the post does not absolve him of responsibility and continued to demand a public apology.
