Oppn leader flays BJP over brokering land deals under guise of education

Team Herald

PANJIM/MARGAO: Leader of the Opposition Yuri Alemao alleged that the BJP government was more interested in brokering land deals for profits by using education hub as a cover.

He went hammer and tongs at the ruling dispensation for giving away huge swathes of land to private universities which in no way would benefit the local community.

Alemao warned that the state government is hell bent on allocating communidade land to private universities, particularly in Tivim, which he claims threatens the natural beauty and environment of Goa’s villages. He condemned the BJP for prioritising land deals over the welfare of the populace, asserting that the party is aware it cannot maintain power through political manoeuvring, such as MLA defections, in future elections. He also compared these deals were akin to the controversy shrouding the Zuari land scam.

Alemao has pledged that the people of Goa will remove defectors and those supporting the current government in the upcoming Assembly elections. Speaking at an event in Macasana on Sunday, he accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of betraying public sentiment and misappropriating state resources. Alemao urged villagers to remain vigilant, alleging that the BJP intends to sell Goa's land to private universities and capitalist allies.

His comments followed the inauguration of a drainage project in Macasana, initiated by Curtorim Zilla Panchayat (ZP) member Michelle Moreno Rebelo. The project, which extends from Domingos Raposo’s house to Ponna Khuris near the main road, aims to mitigate waterlogging during the rainy season.

Alemao expressed confidence that the Congress party would secure over 27 seats in the 2027 Assembly election, positioning itself as a viable alternative. He accused the BJP of undermining Goa’s peace and communal harmony for political gain but commended the resilience of Goans in resisting divisive tactics.

Highlighting the necessity of community involvement in development projects, Alemao stated, “If we fail to involve the people, we are no different from the BJP,” criticising what he termed the “anti-people” policies of CM Pramod Sawant.

He lamented the lack of proper facilities and the failure of the ‘Mhaji Bus’ scheme, emphasising the need for innovative solutions to improve transport services for industrial workers during night shifts.