On December 21, 2024, the Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) organized a protest march towards Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s official residence in Panaji. The protestors voiced concerns over issues such as land grabbing, illegal conversions, the deteriorating law and order situation, and corruption. Congress leaders also condemned Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s alleged disrespect towards Dr. B.R. Ambedkar during the winter session of Parliament.
As the marchers reached Azad Maidan, police blocked their path and detained several Congress leaders, including Opposition Leader Yuri Alemao and GPCC President Amit Patkar. The leaders were later taken to Agasaim police station.
Congress leaders, including Manikrao Thakare and Sunil Kawthankar, criticized the Sawant government, calling it incompetent and accusing it of suppressing the opposition’s voice. Kawthankar described the detentions as a violation of democratic rights. The protest highlighted growing dissatisfaction within the Congress over governance and law and order issues in Goa.
