Major political voices in Goa have united in opposition to the state government's plan to include Canacona taluka within the newly proposed Kushavati district. The Goa Forward Party (GFP), the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and the Revolutionary Goans (RG) have jointly demanded the exclusion of Canacona, warning that the move would cause severe logistical problems for its residents.
Leaders Slam "Geographically Incorrect" Decision
AAP's general secretary for campaigns, Sandesh Telekar, stated that while the creation of a third district for Goa is acceptable, the inclusion of Canacona is fundamentally flawed. He argued the decision is "geographically inappropriate and incorrect." Telekar sharply criticized the government's approach, asking, "How can govt take decisions without taking people into confidence?" He insisted that the division of the state's districts could have been planned in a much better manner to serve the public interest.
Echoing these concerns, former minister and GFP member Isidore Fernandes outright rejected the explanations offered by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and the ruling BJP. The BJP has claimed that the formation of Kushavati district will bring multiple benefits to Canacona, including closer administration. Fernandes countered this, asserting, "The inclusion of Canacona in the third district was not a necessity at all." He added that if the government was genuinely serious about improving governance for Canacona, it would have engaged in more thoughtful and inclusive planning for the new district's boundaries.
BJP Defends Move for Development
In defense of the government's decision, BJP state general secretary Sarvanand Bhagat highlighted the developmental advantages of creating a new district. He argued that Kushavati district would act as a catalyst for building essential infrastructure. According to Bhagat, this includes improved roads and connectivity, the establishment of a dedicated district hospital, new educational institutions, and modern sports complexes. The BJP's stance is that the reorganization is a proactive step for long-term regional development and administrative efficiency.
However, the opposing parties remain unconvinced. They stress that the practical inconveniences of traveling to a potentially distant district headquarters for official work would outweigh any promised future benefits. The demand to keep Canacona out of the Kushavati framework underscores a significant political and administrative clash in Goa, centered on public consultation and geographic logic in governance.
