Oppn demands CM’s resignation

PANAJI
Opposition parties have demanded the immediate resignation of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant in the wake of the catastrophic fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, which left 25 people dead on Saturday night. They have also called for a comprehensive and transparent probe to pinpoint lapses and establish accountability for the tragedy.

The late-night blaze claimed the lives of 25 individuals — among them five tourists and 20 staff members. Police stated that six others sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment.

Condolences and sharp criticism poured in from Opposition leaders across Goa and the national political spectrum, many accusing the government of systemic failures in safety enforcement and overall governance.

Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) President Amit Patkar called the tragedy a “Black Day” for the State’s tourism sector, alleging that the incident exposed a severe collapse in regulatory vigilance. “This is not a mere accident but a result of the government’s failure to ensure public safety,” Patkar said, reiterating the demand for Sawant’s resignation on moral grounds.

Aam Aadmi Party Goa convenor Amit Palekar also blamed government negligence, asserting that the devastating fire was a direct outcome of the authorities’ inability to enforce safety norms.

Goa Forward Party (GFP) president Vijai Sardesai contended that the disaster was enabled by official apathy. “Twenty-five people died because authorities were asleep at the wheel, allowing negligence and corruption to flourish,” Sardesai said, claiming that the government had lost its moral authority to continue.

From the national leadership, Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and AICC Goa in-charge Manikrao Thakare extended condolences to the families of the victims while urging a fair, thorough investigation.