PANAJI: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has launched a scathing attack on the BJP in Goa, accusing the party of repackaging the same unfulfilled promises after 14 years in power. The criticism comes as Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is in Goa today to campaign for BJP candidate Ritesh Ravi Naik in the Ponda by-election.
AAP State President Valmiki Naik, joined by Senior Vice President Sandesh Teleikar Dessai, General Secretary Surel Tilve, and Mahila Wing President Mamata Maben, said the BJP’s latest manifesto is essentially an apology for years of neglect. “Bringing Fadnavis here to sway voters is proof of Goa CM Pramod Sawant’s failures,” Naik said. “The ID Hospital remains unrepaired, water problems persist, roads are broken, and drainage and sewerage systems have been ignored for over a decade.”
Tilve challenged the BJP leadership directly. “CM Fadnavis should visit Panditwada and drink the contaminated water that residents are forced to consume. The people of Ponda deserve an apology, not recycled promises,” he said.
The AAP highlighted multiple development failures across Ponda. Roads are riddled with potholes, garbage remains uncollected, municipal gardens are neglected, and key infrastructure like the Old City Bus Stand and Indira Market continue to suffer, only receiving attention during election photo-ops.
Other unfulfilled projects include the Khandepar Joggers Park, sports grounds, and promised upgrades to local hospitals. “Every project mentioned in their manifesto should have been completed years ago. Yet today, they are presented as new promises,” Tilve added.
The party also criticized the BJP for failing to complete essential infrastructure even after 14 years in power. Sewerage lines have remained incomplete for 15 years, leaving residents to endure foul smells and poor sanitation. “This manifesto is essentially the BJP’s apology letter to the people of Ponda,” Party Chief Naik said.
Naik further pointed to what he described as “match-fixing” between the BJP and the Congress. He noted that the Congress campaign in charge, John Pereira and his wife, Wilma Pereira, a BJP councilor in Ponda, were both actively involved in election campaigning. “This fake rivalry is designed to confuse voters. Ponda deserves a genuine alternative that will deliver real progress,” he said.
The AAP urged voters not to fall for deceptive politics. “The BJP has been in power for 14 years and has nothing new to offer. People of Ponda must demand accountability before casting their vote,” Naik concluded.
