Panaji: Congress leader Alka Lamba on Wednesday alleged that Goa’s identity and “way of life” were under threat under the BJP government and said the state “will not be Goa” if the ruling dispensation continued in power.
Addressing a press conference in Panaji, the All India Mahila Congress president accused the government of failing to curb drug trafficking, organised crime and the alleged land and builder mafia in the coastal state.
“After some time, Goa will not be Goa if this government continues. Goa’s identity will be lost,” Lamba said.
She alleged that Goa’s land was being handed over to builders in the name of development and accused the government of promoting “crony capitalism”.
“Goan land belongs to the people of Goa. Land worth crores is being given to builders for pennies in the name of development,” she alleged.
Lamba said she had seen old heritage buildings and houses during her morning walk in Panaji and claimed that Goa’s heritage was being destroyed by construction activity.
She said Congress would raise the issue of preserving the “Goan way of life”, including heritage homes, local businesses, food and the environment.
“Tourism numbers may be increasing, but the quality of life of Goans is declining,” she said, adding that the government needed to answer what Goa had gained during its 10 years in power.
On drugs, Lamba alleged that the government had failed to stop drug trafficking and organised crime and demanded that it disclose the number of cases registered and convictions secured in the last decade.
She also raised concerns over women’s safety, claiming that 922 girls had been raped in Goa between 2021 and 2025.
“Those are 922 daughters who were raped on Goa’s soil, and the government is sitting silent,” she alleged.
Lamba accused the government of failing to ensure convictions in cases involving crimes against minor girls and claimed that accused and convicted persons were being granted bail or parole.
She also referred to former Karnataka MP Prajwal Revanna while attacking the BJP over crimes against women and alleged that a similar case had emerged in Goa involving the son of a BJP leader.
“Where is this person? Is he in jail or is he roaming free?” she asked, without naming the person.
Lamba said Congress would seek accountability on women’s safety as part of its campaign seeking a 10-year report card from the BJP government.
She also cited recent cases involving minor girls, including the alleged rape of an 11-year-old girl, and questioned how Goa had acquired such an image.
“Goa was not like this. Who made Goa like this?” she asked.
Lamba said the Congress would raise questions about development, the environment, tourism, drugs, land and women’s safety ahead of the 2027 Goa Assembly elections.
