Ferry sinking at Chodan : Congress blames BJP government for ‘Criminal negligence’

Goa Khabar : Amit Patkar, President of the Goa Pradesh Congress Committee, has launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led Goa government following the sinking of a ferry at Chodan earlier this morning. Terming the incident not just an accident but a result of “criminal negligence,” Patkar has demanded the immediate sacking of the Captain of Ports and called for an independent judicial inquiry.

In a strongly worded press statement, Patkar alleged that the state government has failed to maintain the inland water transport system despite repeated warnings about the deteriorating condition of ferries. He said the BJP administration has focused more on public relations and event management than on public safety.

“Goans are not expendable. This is not just administrative failure — this is criminal negligence,” Patkar said, adding that it was sheer luck that there were no casualties in the Chodan incident.

The Congress has raised several pointed questions:

Who allowed an unfit vessel to operate?

What safety checks were conducted?

Why has the Captain of Ports Department failed to safeguard commuters?

Accusing the Dr. Pramod Sawant-led government of ignoring public safety concerns, Patkar demanded an urgent audit of all operational ferries in Goa and immediate steps for their repair and maintenance.

“The blood of any potential victims would have been on the hands of the BJP Government,” he said.

Patkar reiterated the Congress party’s support for the people of Chodan and all Goans who rely on ferry services. “We will not rest until accountability is fixed and justice is delivered,” he declared.

The incident has sparked widespread concern across the state, especially among regular ferry users who now fear for their safety on Goa’s waterways.