Panaji: Goa Pradesh Congress Committee President Amit Patkar has termed the shocking death of over 20 people at a club in Arpora as one of the darkest moments in Goa’s tourism history, alleging that the incident reflects a complete breakdown of governance under Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant.
Patkar said the tragedy was not a mere accident but the outcome of “criminal negligence” and years of unchecked illegal operations, safety violations, and a nexus between the ruling BJP government and commercial interests. The Congress, he said, had repeatedly warned about unregulated nightlife activities and lack of safety oversight, but the government “turned Goa’s tourism sector into a lawless space.”
He questioned how establishments were allowed to operate without basic safety compliance and who approved licenses without proper verification. Patkar squarely blamed the Home Department, Tourism Department, and Goa Police for the administrative failure that led to the large-scale loss of lives.
Calling the incident a “complete collapse of constitutional machinery,” Patkar demanded the immediate resignation of Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant. He also urged the Governor to recommend dismissal of the government under Article 356 of the Constitution, stating that a regime that cannot protect its citizens has no moral legitimacy to remain in power.
Patkar extended condolences to the grieving families and asserted that Goa stands united in demanding justice.
The Congress Party has placed four major demands before the government:
- A judicial inquiry led by a sitting High Court judge.
- Suspension and arrest of officials who approved illegal permissions.
- Full public release of all licenses, safety audits, and inspection records of the club.
- Compensation for the families of the deceased and injured.
Patkar said Goa’s safety, culture, and global image cannot be compromised due to “corruption, mismanagement, and incompetence,” adding that the people will hold the BJP government accountable for this systemic collapse.
