Panaji: While the BJP on Monday demanded an apology from AAP MLA Venzy Viegas for allegedly trespassing into their office, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) stated that an apology was out of the question, insisting the protest was aimed at seeking justice for social activist Rama Kankonkar, who was assaulted in broad daylight.
The protest last week in Panaji saw AAP MLA Venzy Viegas, Congress MP Captain Viriato Fernandes, and Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao leading social activists to the BJP office.
BJP Goa spokesman Krishna (Daji) Salkar condemned the march, saying, “AAP MLA Venzy Viegas trespassed in our office. This is not the way protest is held. Being an elected representative, Viegas should be conscious about his actions.” He added that the BJP gives Viegas a three-day deadline for his conduct or will decide on the future course of action.
Minutes after the BJP press conference, AAP Goa President Amit Palekar stated that Viegas would not apologize, adding, “He has not done anything wrong. BJP cannot threaten Goans. Viegas never entered the BJP office during the protest.”
Palekar urged the BJP to introspect, pointing out that the protest was driven by public frustration over the attack on Kankonkar. “It was not a political protest but a gathering called by social activists who demanded justice,” he said.
The confrontation underscores the growing political tension in Goa over civic protests and responses to attacks on activists.
