Senior leaders of the Goa Pradesh Congress Committee on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led government, accusing it of curtailing the Assembly session to avoid being exposed by the Opposition.
Addressing a press conference at Congress House, GPCC Vice Presidents Tulio D’Souza and Sunil Kawthankar alleged that the Chief Minister used the Model Code of Conduct for the Ponda by-election as a pretext to cut short proceedings, thereby denying citizens accountability.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
“The Government has deprived the people of Goa by curtailing the session. Our MLAs were raising key public issues, but the Government chose to silence debate,” Kawthankar said. He added that Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao, Quepem MLA Altone D’Costa and Aldona MLA Carlos Ferreira had effectively cornered the government during the session.
Kawthankar further argued that while by-elections are underway in Maharashtra and Karnataka, Assembly proceedings there have continued uninterrupted. He alleged that the session was curtailed to push through the Budget and avoid scrutiny over provisions such as Section 39A.
Raising other concerns, Kawthankar highlighted the issue of denial of reservation for OBC students in postgraduate medical seats at Goa Medical College and Hospital and the state Dental College, alleging that the government was not committed to ensuring equitable access. He also criticised claims regarding Goa’s Happiness Index, stating that unemployment and public dissatisfaction remain high.
He further alleged that the government has spent ₹677 crore on events since 2022, including ₹13 crore on the Viksit Goa, Viksit Bharat programme, claiming the expenditure was excessive.
Meanwhile, D’Souza raised concerns over the state’s financial health, stating that Goa’s debt has crossed ₹35,312 crore as of January 2026. He warned that the debt-to-GSDP ratio has reached 34–35%, exceeding the limits prescribed under the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act, and termed the situation “disastrous” for the state’s economy.
He also reiterated the Opposition’s demand to scrap aggregator guidelines and safeguard the interests of traditional taxi operators, calling them “ambassadors of Goa” whose livelihoods must be protected.
