Dr. Lohia fought to liberate Goa, today you have to fight for its existence : K C Venugopal

Goa Khabar : Stating that BJP’s misrule has destroyed Goa, General Secretary (Org.) K. C. Venugopal said, “Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia fought to liberate Goa; today you have to fight for its very existence.”

He was speaking during a Congress meeting and press conference at Donapaula. AICC Incharge Manickrao Thakare, GPCC President Girish Chodankar, AICC Co-Incharge Dr. Anjali Nimbalkar, Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao, GPCC Working President M.K. Shaikh, MLA Altone D’Costa, MLA Carlos Ferreira, and other members were present.

“Land is the most important thing for human beings, but the BJP is selling Goa’s land. Prime land is being converted for construction. They are destroying the future of Goa. It is high time to fight against the BJP’s misrule,” he said.

“When the Chief Minister is corrupt, nothing good can happen. This government has failed in all aspects. It is not addressing unemployment, and its promises remain unfulfilled,” he added.

Venugopal said that the Congress has been associated with Goa’s journey right from the liberation movement, to the granting of statehood, and the recognition of Konkani as the official language.

He expressed shock that in the last four years, 127 murders have occurred. “Law and order has totally collapsed in Goa. Around 383 rapes, 2,113 cases of theft, burglary, and robbery, 354 kidnappings, and 1,127 assault cases have been registered in the last four years. This is shocking,” he said.

Venugopal assured that the party will receive full support from the AICC to protect Goa. “We should not use religion for politics, but the BJP is doing this and dividing people. They are also looting temples,” he said, adding that offerings given by poor devotees are being looted. 

“Why are the BJP and the Prime Minister silent on the Ram Temple issue in Ayodhya? There should be an impartial enquiry by the Supreme Court, and the real culprits should be arrested,” he demanded.

He further said that in 2029, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will become Prime Minister of the country. “He is fighting for the youth, students, and the people of our country. I am confident that he will become Prime Minister,” Venugopal stated, emphasizing the need to connect with the people.

Manickrao Thakare said that Congress must raise issues that the BJP is trying to suppress. “We need to raise these issues so that people get their rights and justice,” he said.

Girish Chodankar remarked that the BJP is trying to set false narratives, but people are aware of the truth, and it will not impact the Congress Party. “They are baffled that opposition parties are trying to unite. They know that once we unite, their defeat is certain,” he said.

Chodankar added that K. C. Venugopal interacted with Congress leaders and guided the Pradesh Congress Committee. “We are confident that Congress will form the government in 2027. Opposition parties will respect the sentiments of the public, who want to protect Goa from the clutches of the BJP,” he said.

Yuri Alemao appealed to all to make the Goa Rakhan Yatra successful, so that people are made aware of the false narratives set by the BJP and how they mislead the public. “BJP is dividing people over religion. Our Goa was never like this. They are trying to divide us. But we need to convince people that if they achieve their goal, they will destroy Goa,” Alemao said.