Congress says Goa govt failed to address issues, asks CM to quit

PANAJI: The opposition Congress party on Wednesday demanded resignation of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, claiming that he had failed on all fronts particular on law and order, non-resumption of the mining industry and unemployment and was insensitive.
Addressing a press conference at the Congress office, here, Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) president Girish Chodankar alleged that the BJP government was "insensitive" towards issues raised by the opposition due to which there was discontent among people.
Chodankar said his party and the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) had been raising various issues like non-resumption of mining operations, rising unemployment, which he claimed was highest in the country, slowdown of the tourism industry and concerns over the State's financial situation.
"We raised several issues concerning the people of Goa be it garbage menace, unemployment, rise in prices of essential commodities, drug menace, corruption in the work of refurbishment of Fatorda stadium, scam in the illumination works of the third Mandovi bridge. But the State government failed to come up with a proper response to all these issues. These were not personal issues. But the government is not responsive," Chodankar said demanding that the government has to be accountable to the people.
He said that the law and order was collapsing and that now even policemen were at the receiving end and attacked by some youths. The frustration was mounting among the youth, who were taking law and order in their hands. He also pointed out that a BJP office-bearer from Uttar Pradesh was accorded the facilities of a minister including PSO and government in the State.
He further charged that the Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had failed to protect Mhadei river, which is the lifeline of Goa.
"It is unfortunate that the chief minister and his government have become insensitive. Even if you raise sensitive issues, they are not addressed. We condemn the government's inaction. People are unhappy with the government," Chodankar said.
"If Chief Minister Pramod Sawant cannot handle affairs of the State, then he should step down from the post without wasting any more time," he said.
In a democratic set up, the government is accountable to people. Hence, the State government has to respond to issues raised by the main opposition party, Chodankar said.