SANKHALI, October 2: The Congress has criticised the alleged tearing down of posters and publicity material related to the Congress-led Goy Rakhonn Yatra in the Sankhali constituency, saying that such actions cannot silence public concerns or stop the ongoing campaign.
Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) Media & Communication Department Chairman Amarnath Panjikar said the alleged removal of Congress posters was no substitute for addressing the issues being raised by the party and the public.
“Posters can be torn, but the aspirations of Goans cannot be torn apart. The voice of the people cannot be removed with a knife or a pair of scissors,” Panjikar said.
Panjikar said the BJP should respond to questions being raised on employment, land, development, drugs, rising costs, and the protection of Goa’s identity and resources, instead of targeting political banners and publicity material.
“If BJP disagrees with the message of Goy Rakhonn Yatra, let them come forward and debate us publicly. Democracy demands debate, not destruction of political material,” he said.
He further said that the alleged removal of posters would not affect the Congress campaign, claiming that the issues raised during the yatra would continue to reach people across the state.
Panjikar also pointed to the presence of AICC General Secretary Sachin Pilot in Sankhali on October 2, saying it would provide added momentum to the Goy Rakhonn Yatra.
“Goy Rakhonn Yatra is not about posters. It is about Goa’s future. No act of intimidation, vandalism or political provocation will stop this journey. The Yatra will continue from village to village, constituency to constituency, carrying the voice of Goans,” he said.
The Congress leader concluded, “Tear the banners if you want. You cannot tear the spirit of Goa.”
The allegations regarding the tearing of posters are claims made by Congress; independent verification of responsibility for the alleged vandalism was not provided in the press note.
