“BJP’s ministers and MLAs thriving on kickbacks along the coastal belt” – Amit Palekar
“The Arpora nightclub was running only because of BJP’s blessings” – MLA Capt. Venzy Viegas
“If the government itself doesn’t know how the fire started, what exactly is it doing?” – MLA Cruz Silva
“families are now left devastated, and the government is offering token compensation” – Valmiki Naik
Goa Khabar:Aam Aadmi Party leaders strongly condemned the BJP government, holding it directly responsible for the horrific fire tragedy in Arpora. Earlier today, an AAP delegation visited the injured victims at GMC Hospital and spoke to them. After paying respects to the deceased, AAP State President Amit Palekar launched a scathing attack on the government.
Speaking to the media, Amit Palekar said “The fire at the Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora has claimed 25 lives—some burnt to death, some suffocated. Seven others are still undergoing treatment. But the most shocking fact is that only after the tragedy did the Chief Minister suddenly realize that the nightclub was operating without a license. What was the administration doing until now? The truth is that the club was running because of regular kickbacks to MLAs, ministers, and government officials. This corrupt ‘hafta’ system of the BJP government has cost 25 innocent lives. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant must resign immediately.”
Responding to the incident, AAP Goa in-charge Atishi said:
“I offer my heartfelt condolences to the families of all those who lost their lives. But let us be clear: this nightclub was illegal and operating without licenses. It could not have existed without the blessings of BJP ministers and the corrupt machinery. Electricity, water—who provided all this to an illegal club? This tragedy is the direct result of BJP’s corruption and protection to illegal businesses.”
MLA Capt. Venzy Viegas added:
“Twenty-five people died—four tourists and twenty-one workers. This is a symbol of how deep-rooted corruption has destroyed Goa’s administration. Whether it’s water connections or liquor licenses, nothing moves without money. Illegal activities flourish because the law has collapsed. This nightclub, where innocent people lost their lives, was running under the government’s protection. We strongly condemn this.”
MLA Cruz Silva raised a critical question:
“First the government said the club was illegal. Then the DGP says the fire was due to a gas cylinder blast. When we asked the injured, they said it began with firecrackers. If the government itself does not know what caused the fire, then what use is this government?”
AAP Working President Valmiki Naik said:
“Workers trying to earn a living late at night have lost their lives. Their families are now left devastated, and the government is offering token compensation. The BJP government spends lakhs on events and marketing. They provide substantial compensation to the victims’ families and the injured. That is our demand.”
