Daijiworld Media Network - Margao

Margao, Feb 8: The Congress on Saturday warned of taking to the streets if the special status bill proposed by South Goa MP Viriato Fernandes is not passed in Parliament. Party leaders made the announcement while addressing a press conference in New Delhi.

The Constitutional Amendment Bill, 2025 seeks to introduce Article 371-IA to protect Goa’s unique identity and safeguard the rights of fishermen, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes. The proposed provision also aims to preserve Goa’s language, festivals, folk arts and cultural heritage.

Congress Goa in-charge Manikrao Thakare accused the BJP’s “double-engine government” of neglecting regional interests and enabling large-scale destruction in the state. He alleged that despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s assurance in 2014, Goa was not provided constitutional safeguards.

Viriato Fernandes highlighted concerns over linear infrastructure projects and the expansion of the Mormugao Port, stating that several decisions were pushed through during the 2020 lockdown without adequate consultation.

State Congress president Amit Patkar said the agitation would continue relentlessly, asserting that the party would fight “from Parliament to the streets” until the bill is passed and Goa’s interests are protected.