Congress launches Goy Rakkhon Yatra to protect Goa’s identity

New Delhi: All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary K.C. Venugopal on Monday alleged that Goa faces an existential threat under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government, claiming the state’s land, environment, heritage and identity are under severe pressure.

In a post on X, Venugopal alleged that over the last decade, nearly one crore square metres of land have been taken from Goans and handed over to big builders and industrialists close to the ruling party. He described the situation as a “wholesale auction of every inch of Goan land.”

The Congress leader further claimed that Goa is witnessing an unprecedented rise in crime, violence, rapes and everyday corruption under the current regime. Ordinary Goans, he said, are facing the dual burden of unemployment and high inflation, while the BJP resorts to political manoeuvres and alleged unconstitutional means to retain power.

Venugopal said the people of Goa are fed up and see the present moment as critical to the state's survival. To counter these challenges, the Congress is launching the “Goy Rakkhon Yatra” (Protect Goa Yatra) from Tuesday, September 22. He appealed to all sections of society to support the people’s movement aimed at safeguarding Goa from what he termed the ills that have befallen the state under the BJP government.

The Congress is projecting the Yatra as a campaign to protect Goa’s unique identity, natural resources and cultural heritage. Party leaders have indicated that the march will highlight issues of land acquisition, environmental degradation, rising crime and the economic difficulties faced by common citizens.

Venugopal’s statement comes amid ongoing political contestation in the coastal state, where the Congress has been seeking to rebuild its base. The party has accused the ruling dispensation of prioritising the interests of large builders and industrialists at the cost of local communities.

With the “Goy Rakkhon Yatra” set to begin on September 22, the Congress aims to mobilise public opinion and present the campaign as a collective effort to defend Goa’s future. Party workers and supporters have been asked to participate actively and strengthen the movement across the state.

The development marks a fresh political initiative by the Congress in Goa, focusing on issues of land, environment and governance as it seeks to challenge the BJP’s dominance in the state.

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