Goa Legislators Voice Strong Criticism During Governor's Address Debate
Porvorim witnessed heated discussions in the legislative assembly on Wednesday as MLAs from different parties expressed dissatisfaction with the governor's address. The debate highlighted several pressing issues facing Goa, with lawmakers pointing out significant omissions and calling for immediate government action.
Land Encroachment Concerns Take Center Stage
Curtorim BJP MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco voiced support for the Majhe Ghar scheme while delivering sharp criticism of previous administrations. He specifically addressed the long-standing problem of encroachments on comunidade land.
"Past governments completely failed to handle comunidade land encroachments properly," Lourenco stated during the assembly session. "They neither demolished illegal structures nor regularized them through proper channels. Instead, these encroachers became convenient vote banks for political parties."
The BJP legislator made a direct appeal to the current government regarding compensation. "My primary request is simple - increase the compensation amount for comunidades when regularizing encroachments. This would provide fair treatment for these traditional landholding institutions," he emphasized.
Drug Menace and Regulatory Failures Highlighted
Lourenco also turned his attention to the growing drug problem in the state. He made serious allegations about narcotics distribution networks operating openly.
"Some Rajasthani shops are actively selling drugs in our communities," the MLA claimed. "The government's current efforts against drug peddling remain insufficient. We need much stronger action to protect our youth from this menace."
Benaulim AAP MLA Venzy Viegas launched a separate attack regarding the Arpora nightclub tragedy. The December 2025 fire claimed twenty-five lives, but Viegas noted the governor's address failed to address critical aspects of the disaster.
"While the governor offered condolences for the tragic loss of life, his speech completely ignored the magisterial investigation report," Viegas pointed out. "That report clearly holds authorities and officials responsible for regulatory failures. The tragedy exposed serious lapses in nightclub safety oversight."
The AAP legislator expressed frustration about the government's response. "There's no commitment to implement the report's recommendations or even make the document public. The speech doesn't mention stopping nightclub violations through illegal land-filling and conversion activities," he added.
Omissions in Governor's Address Draw Fire
Viegas identified another significant omission in the governor's speech. He noted the complete absence of reference to a ten-point charter presented by former High Court judge Justice Ferdino Rebello.
"The address should have acknowledged Justice Rebello's charter," Viegas insisted. "The governor needed to provide assurances about protecting Goa's unique identity, environment, hills, and agricultural fields. These elements define our state's character."
Healthcare Infrastructure Crisis Exposed
Healthcare facilities received harsh criticism during the debate. Lourenco highlighted the deteriorating condition of South Goa District Hospital, describing an urgent need for improvements.
"South Goa District Hospital requires immediate attention," he stated plainly. "We need more doctors and better facilities to serve patients effectively. The current situation falls short of acceptable standards."
The BJP MLA also revealed problems at Goa Medical College in Bambolim. "Surgeries at GMC face routine postponements due to insufficient ICU beds. This creates unnecessary delays for patients requiring critical procedures," Lourenco explained.
Several other legislators joined the criticism, pointing out multiple omissions regarding pressing state issues. The collective concerns presented during Wednesday's debate painted a picture of unresolved challenges across land management, public safety, and healthcare delivery in Goa.
