Opposition leader and Goa Forward Party President Vijai Sardesai strongly criticized the Dr. Pramod Sawant-led government over the Shirgao Zatra stampede, stating that lives have been lost—not just mishandled. Sardesai demanded immediate suspension of officials responsible, pending inquiry, questioning the crowd control measures and SOPs implemented. He termed the government’s Rs 10 lakh compensation as both “insensitive and unrealistic” given today’s economic conditions. Calling the response inadequate, he urged the government to reassess its approach with sincerity, compassion, and firm accountability.
