Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, May 27: In a sharp critique of the ruling BJP in Goa, Congress leader and AICC incharge Manikrao Thakare has accused the state government of being engulfed in corruption and internal discord. Thakare’s remarks come in response to explosive allegations by Goa’s Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude, who recently claimed that files in the Tribal Welfare Department are being cleared in exchange for bribes.

“The minister’s statement only echoes what the people of Goa have known for years,” Thakare said. “Since I took charge here, I’ve heard endless reports of corruption. In Goa today, no work gets done without greasing palms — across departments and ministries. It’s a complete governance failure.”

He also targeted Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, questioning his silence on the matter. “If the Chief Minister truly believes corruption is occurring, he must take decisive action and sack the responsible minister. But he won’t — because he is complicit in this system,” Thakare alleged.

Backing Gaude’s statement, South Goa MP Captain Viriato Fernandes said the minister was being unfairly vilified for telling the truth. “Gaude’s claims are on point. This government is driven by greed, not public welfare,” Fernandes added.

The Congress leaders claimed growing public frustration with the current administration and predicted a shift in the political landscape. “Goans have seen through this corrupt setup. Change is not just necessary — it’s imminent,” said Thakare.

He dismissed the possibility of Gaude retracting his statement under political pressure, saying, “Even if he walks it back, the damage is done. The truth is out — this is a government run by the corrupt, for the corrupt.”