Goa Opposition Leaders Condemn CM Sawant for Alleged Betrayal and Police Harassment
In a sharp escalation of political tensions in Goa, RG president Manoj Parab on Monday launched a scathing criticism against Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, accusing him of breaking his promises and employing the state police to intimidate and silence citizens protesting against the controversial TCP's Section 39A. Parab's allegations come amid a backdrop of heightened scrutiny over governance and civil liberties in the coastal state.
Police Summons and Questioning of Parab
Manoj Parab was summoned to the Panaji police station on Monday, where he underwent nearly three hours of intense questioning. Parab vehemently denounced the cases filed against the protesters as a blatant form of harassment, designed to stifle dissent and discourage public participation in democratic processes.
"This government wants to threaten and silence people raising their voices," Parab asserted, drawing parallels to similar tactics used during past protests, such as those against the IIT project. He emphasized that such methods are not new but represent a concerning pattern of authoritarian behavior aimed at suppressing opposition.
MLA Borkar Accuses CM Sawant of Lying
Adding fuel to the fire, St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar directly accused Chief Minister Sawant of dishonesty regarding the handling of criminal cases against protesters. Borkar highlighted that Sawant had previously assured the public that he did not intend to trouble those named in FIRs related to the occupation of the TCP office and the subsequent march to TCP minister Vishwajit Rane's private residence in Dona Paula.
"The chief minister assured that he did not want to trouble those people against whom FIRs were registered. But now it has become clear that all those who were named in the FIR were served with notices. The chief minister lied," Borkar stated. He recounted how he had placed his trust in Sawant, particularly after discussing the involvement of elderly women in the protests who were merely defending their villages, and Sawant had responded by issuing a suspension order.
Allegations of Fake News and Political Smear Campaigns
Borkar further alleged that the BJP IT cell is actively spreading fake news to tarnish his reputation, specifically by accusing him of involvement in land conversion for a real estate project at Azossim Mandur. This, he claims, is part of a broader strategy to discredit opposition figures and divert attention from the government's failures.
The unfolding situation underscores a deepening rift between the ruling party and opposition forces in Goa, with issues of transparency, accountability, and civil rights taking center stage. As protests and legal battles continue, the political landscape in Goa remains volatile, with citizens and leaders alike calling for greater integrity and adherence to democratic principles.
