Panaji:- President of Goa Forward Party, Vijai Sardesai, hoisted the national flag on Goa Liberation Day at his residence on Thursday. 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 emphasized the urgent need for change. He criticized 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. He expressed concern over the future of educated Goan youth, who may be forced to leave the state due to lack of opportunities. He condemned the practice of granting government jobs to underqualified 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.
Sardesai called on the media to play a pivotal role in shaping public opinion and exposing governmental failures. He urged all Goans, regardless of religion , caste and creed, to unite against corruption and reclaim the state’s democratic values. Echoing these sentiments, Goa Forward Party General Secretary Mohandas Lolienkar labeled the ruling BJP as a party of “dacoits” and urged the BJP ranks to inform their leaders in Delhi that Goa is ruled by dacoits.
Concluding his speech, Sardesai issued 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 involving people from all communities. He vowed to work tirelessly for a better future for Goa, ensuring justice, merit, and integrity in governance.
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.
