THE GOAN NETWORK
MARGAO
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has unveiled a scathing report card of the BJP-led government in Benaulim, claiming that the ruling party’s sole achievement in 2024 has been its ability to orchestrate a range of scams.
Addressing the media at the AAP office in Benaulim, Capt. Venzy Viegas remarked, "If there were an award for the best state for scams, the Goa BJP government would win it hands down”.
Criticising the government’s poor performance across departments, Viegas accused it of failing to resolve long-pending issues from 2023, adding that Goa is entering 2025 with the same unresolved problems. He highlighted the negligence in infrastructure development, saying that while bridges were built, the government failed to maintain existing highways and roads, leading to numerous accidents, fatalities, and hospitalisations.
Viegas urged the government to shift its focus to human development in 2025, emphasising the need for reforms in Goa’s healthcare sector. He has labelled 2024 as the “dangerous year for the environment,” citing illegal land conversion scams, hill cutting, and CRZ violations as examples. He added, "This is what happens when you hand over the keys to a thief."
Highlighting the state’s mismanagement of the tourism sector, AAP Vice President Gerson Gomes criticised the government for blaming influencers for Goa’s deteriorating reputation.
AAP VP Prashant Naik underscored other unresolved issues, such as the excise scam at state check posts exposed by the AAP earlier this year.
He also slammed the government for its inaction on the Mhadei water dispute, double-tracking of railway, and contamination of River Sal. "The government’s silence on these critical matters reflects its incompetence and apathy," he remarked.
