Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: The Goa Forward Party (GFP) has strongly criticised the Union Budget 2026–27, stating that it has completely ignored Goa and failed to address the state’s key developmental needs, despite specific demands placed by the Goa government before the Centre.
Reacting to the Budget, the Goa Forward Party said that during the pre-Budget consultation held on January 10, 2026, the Goa government had sought multiple special packages for critical sectors, but none of these demands were reflected in the final Budget. The party termed this as “step-motherly treatment” meted out to Goa.
“The Union Budget has drawn a complete ‘naught’ for Goa. Despite being ruled by the same party at the Centre and in the state, Goa’s genuine demands have been ignored,” the Goa Forward Party said.
The party pointed out that the state had demanded a ₹100 crore special package to promote renewable energy, ₹500 crore for the newly created Kushavati district, ₹1,000 crore for industrial corridor integration with national highways, and ₹160 crore for the development of a new railway station at Margao. Other key demands included ₹600 crore to tackle sea erosion, ₹300 crore for health sector infrastructure, and ₹600 crore for upgradation of sewerage networks and solid waste management.
The Goa Forward Party also highlighted that a ₹700 crore special package was sought to boost tourism infrastructure, establish a Centre of Excellence for tourism skilling, and promote the experience economy through theme parks, adventure and wellness tourism. The party said the absence of any allocation for tourism is particularly alarming, as tourism remains the backbone of Goa’s economy.
Questioning the BJP’s “double engine” narrative, the Goa Forward Party said that despite having the same government at the Centre and in Goa, the state continues to receive discriminatory treatment. “Same party, same government, but different treatment for Goa. Is this the double engine that Goans were promised?” the party asked.
The Goa Forward Party asserted that Goa deserves fair treatment, dedicated funding and respect for its unique economic, environmental and social challenges, and said it will continue to raise Goa’s issues at every appropriate forum.
