Goa Forward Party (GFP) president and Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai has condemned the brutal attack on activist Rama Kankonkar, calling it not just an assault on an individual but on the democratic rights of all Goans. Speaking out strongly, Sardesai said Kankonkar had been relentlessly exposing failures of the government and raising issues of public concern, often highlighting lapses that affected citizens directly. “This attack is a brazen attempt to silence voices of dissent. It is not just Rama who has been attacked, but every Goan who questions those in power,” Sardesai said, demanding swift justice for the activist.
He expressed solidarity with Kankonkar and his family, while urging the police to register the crime under stringent sections and ensure that those responsible are arrested without delay. Terming it a test for the state machinery, Sardesai said Goans are watching whether authorities will act fairly or shield the perpetrators.
The GFP leader emphasised that Goa’s society has always valued freedom of expression and protecting activists is essential to maintaining democratic vibrancy. “If activists and common people cannot speak out without fear of physical intimidation, then our democracy is being dismantled,” he warned.