Goa Forward president unfurling the Tricolour at his Fatorda residence on Thursday to mark Goa Liberation Day.
THE GOAN NETWORK
MARGAO: Goa Forward Party President Vijai Sardesai on Thursday gave a clarion call for a united struggle to dislodge the current government and Chief Minister, pledging to initiate a new liberation movement at Azad Maidan by involving people from all communities.
After hoisting the tricolour at his residence to mark Goa’s Liberation Day, Sardesai has vowed to work tirelessly for a better future for Goa, ensuring justice, merit, and integrity in governance.
Addressing the leaders, workers and supporters of the party, he raised serious concerns about the current state of governance in Goa, questioning whether the state has truly experienced liberation post-1961. Referring to a recent article by Fr. Peter Fernandes calling for a political revolution to liberate Goa from what he described as a corrupt dictatorship, Sardesai emphasised the urgent need for change.
He criticised the government's failure in law enforcement, citing the recent escape of Suleman, an accused, from police custody. Sardesai alleged that the escape was orchestrated with police involvement, reflecting the deep-rooted corruption in the system.
Highlighting the "cash for jobs" scam, Sardesai questioned the absence of a merit-based system in Goa as he expressed concern over the future of educated Goan youth, who may be forced to leave the state due to lack of opportunities.
Condemning the practice of granting government jobs to under-qualified individuals who allegedly pay bribes, resulting in compromised law enforcement and administration, Sardesai also pointed out that whistleblowers exposing such scams are targeted and harassed through legal cases.
He accused the government of denying the existence of tigers in Goa, drawing parallels between the present regime and the oppressive rule of Salazar during the Portuguese era. Sardesai acknowledged that Goa’s delayed liberation helped preserve its unique identity, which might have been lost if Goa had been annexed immediately after India’s independence. However, he urged Goans to look beyond historical reflections and focus on present issues such as the "cash for jobs" and "land grab" scams.
Other Goa Forward Party leaders who spoke on the occasion were Former MMC Chairperson Dr Babita Angle, GFP Leader Vikas Bhagat and Prominent Citizen Kiran Nayak.
