Romi Konkani protagonists warn of poll boycott if parties back Marathi

Margao: A public meeting at Lohia Maidan, Margao, on Sunday passed a resolution reaffirming Konkani as the sole official language of Goa and warning that any political party that supports according official status to Marathi will face a boycott by Konkani-speaking voters in the 2027 assembly elections.

The meeting, organised by the Global Romi Lipi Abhiyan (GRLA) and convened by youth leader Vishal Nogueri, was addressed by singer Hema Sardesai, historian Prajal Sakhardande, GRLA convenor Kennedy Afonso and others.

The resolution passed at the meeting declared that Konkani has been the sole official language and identity of Goa since 1987 and must remain so. It stated that Konkani is what distinguishes Goa as a separate state from Maharashtra and Goans will remain committed to protecting their unique heritage against any attempt to dilute it. The meeting comes a week after Marathi protagonists led by Subhash Velingkar held a gathering at the same venue, warning BJP govt to either accord official status to Marathi or face electoral consequences in the 2027 assembly polls.

Sunday’s counter-mobilisation sought to warn against any move to elevate Marathi.