Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Jan 2: The Goa Forward Party (GFP), Revolutionary Goans Party (RGP), and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) have raised strong objections to the inclusion of Canacona taluka in the newly formed Kushavati district, citing potential hardships for local residents.

Former minister and GFP leader Isidore Fernandes dismissed assurances from Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and the BJP regarding the benefits of the new district. He stated, “If the government was serious about better administration for the people of Canacona, proper planning should have been done. Including Canacona in Kushavati district was not necessary.”

AAP General Secretary (Campaign) Sandesh Telekar questioned the geographic logic of the inclusion. He challenged the CM’s claim that residents could reach Quepem within half an hour, stating, “I invite the CM to make the drive with me to verify his claim. It is next to impossible.” Telekar further highlighted that promises of a four-lane road between Canacona and Quepem cannot be realized overnight, yet the government expects the third district to function immediately.

RGP leader Prashant Pagi pointed out that local opposition had existed for months. He recalled that the Gram Sabha of Loliem-Polem, on August 3, 2025, had passed a resolution opposing Canacona’s inclusion. Pagi urged local representatives, including newly elected BJP Poinguinim ZP member Ajay Lolienkar, to clarify their stance and respect the community’s concerns.

The parties appealed to residents to actively seek clarity from their MLAs, sarpanchas, and panch members and to express their opposition through Gram Sabha resolutions if they felt the inclusion was detrimental.

The demand underscores growing dissent over administrative divisions in Goa and reflects concerns about accessibility, local governance, and public convenience.