Congress slams govt over women’s safety, vows protests

Panaji: Congress launched a scathing attack on chief minister Pramod Sawant for failing to ensure women’s safety in Goa. All India Mahila Congress president Alka Lamba warned that if the situation does not improve, the party will mobilise women in protest, gherao govt offices, and intensify its agitation.

“Crimes against women are increasing in Goa, and this govt is doing nothing. If necessary, we will take to the streets,” Lamba said. She also criticised BJP for failing to implement 33% reservation for women in politics, calling it a betrayal by the “double engine govt”.

Lamba accused BJP of shielding criminals and misusing govt schemes. “Eighty per cent of the funds allocated for the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao scheme are being spent on BJP’s ads instead of benefiting girls,” she said.

She said that since Sep, 7,000 women in Goa joined the women’s wing of Congress. Newly appointed Congress Mahila wing Goa president Pratiksha Khalap said the membership drive will be intensified to strengthen the party’s base across all constituencies. “We are reaching out to every block and constituency. We need women to stand with us,” Khalap said.

“You will see 50% women’s participation in local elections in Dec and hopefully, when the assembly election is held in 2027, by then Modi govt will implement the 33% reservation for women,” said Lamba.

Goa Congress in charge Manickrao Thakre urged party functionaries to focus on elections instead of infighting.