Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Jun 18: Turning Goa Revolution Day into a rallying cry for change, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) staged a high-voltage protest against the Pramod Sawant-led BJP government, branding it the “most corrupt and incompetent” administration since the state’s Liberation.
Led by AAP MLAs Cruz Silva and Venzy Viegas, along with State President Amit Palekar and a large contingent of volunteers, the protest began with a solemn tribute at the Martyrs’ Memorial at Azad Maidan. The mood quickly turned combative as the group marched towards the BJP office, only to be halted by a police barricade.
In a theatrical display, AAP members carried an effigy of Chief Minister Sawant surrounded by images of his 11 cabinet ministers — all styled after the demon king Ravan — symbolising what the party called the “evil and destructive” nature of the current governance.
AAP’s fury was also directed at the BJP's recent decision to cancel its ‘Free Water’ scheme, a move the party condemned as a betrayal of the common people.
“This so-called free water scheme was never meant to work. Like all BJP promises, it was just another election-time jumla — now conveniently scrapped,” said Venzy Viegas. “We demand its immediate restoration.”
Cruz Silva echoed the sentiment, stating that Goa is witnessing its worst phase since Liberation.
“This government has brought only corruption, misrule, and policies that endanger our land, identity, and way of life. If we truly want to honour our freedom fighters, we must work to oust the BJP and save Goa.”
Amit Palekar directly challenged Chief Minister Sawant’s reasoning behind the scheme’s cancellation — misuse by some citizens through extra water meters.
“Even if 50,000 families misused it, the maximum estimated loss is just ?6 crore annually. Compare that to the crores blown on the BJP’s grand 2022 swearing-in ceremony — it’s clear where the real wastage lies.”
The protest served as both a commemoration of Goa’s revolutionary past and a call to action against what AAP describes as a regime that has lost all credibility with the people.