In a scathing press conference, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders accused the BJP-led government in Goa of deploying intimidation tactics to suppress the truth about the cash-for-jobs scam. They alleged that ministers and authorities are actively discouraging complainants from coming forward by investigating the source of bribe money, labeling it a deliberate attempt to deflect attention from the accused.

The controversy deepened when BJP MLA Atanasio “Babush” Monserrate controversially suggested taking action against complainants who offered bribes, a statement opposition leaders claim is aimed at silencing whistleblowers. Furthermore, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s recent threats of defamation lawsuits against critics were interpreted as an attempt to stifle opposition voices.

AAP highlighted the government’s reluctance to initiate an independent judicial probe into the scandal, despite two months having passed since the issue surfaced. They welcomed the defamation threats, asserting that they would not back down in their pursuit of justice​.