PANAJI: Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) President Girish Chodankar has rejected allegations made by HOABL Impactum Lands Private Limited, stating that his public remarks were made in good faith, in the public interest and in fulfilment of his constitutional responsibility to protect Goa’s land, environment and the interests of its people.
In a detailed response to the company’s communication, Chodankar denied linking either the company or any individual to its Karapur project. He said his statements merely raised legitimate public questions regarding land transactions and governance, which he described as the duty of a responsible public representative.
Chodankar alleged that the company had misinterpreted his remarks and created a narrative that was neither intended nor expressed by him.
He further stated that the contents of the company’s communication themselves raised important public questions, adding that the detailed explanations provided on issues he had not directly alleged warranted greater public scrutiny.
Referring to his remarks on international real estate associations and matters already in the public domain, Chodankar said his observations were based entirely on publicly available information and formed part of a legitimate political debate on the support extended to large-scale development projects in Goa despite public opposition.
He maintained that his comments fall within the ambit of fair political criticism and democratic accountability.
Rejecting the company’s demand for a clarification or retraction, Chodankar said there was no legal or constitutional obligation to do so, as his statements were made in good faith on matters of public concern and are protected under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech and expression.
He reiterated that questioning land transactions, environmental impacts, statutory approvals and large-scale development projects is an essential part of democratic oversight and necessary to safeguard Goa’s identity and the interests of its people.
Chodankar also stated that nothing in the company’s communication should be construed as an admission of liability or wrongdoing on his part and said he reserved all legal rights, remedies and defences available under law.
“The Congress Party will continue to raise issues concerning Goa’s land, environment and the future of our people without fear or intimidation. No attempt to silence legitimate democratic questioning will deter us from performing our constitutional responsibility,” Chodankar said.
