PANAJI: The Goa Pradesh Congress Committee has stepped up its criticism of the BJP government over the delay in implementing political reservation for the Scheduled Tribe community in Goa.
Speaking at a programme marking former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s birth anniversary at the Congress headquarters, GPCC President Girish Chodankar alleged that the government had failed to deliver the ST community’s constitutional rights despite years of assurances.
Chodankar recalled the steps taken by the UPA government in 2013 towards providing ST political reservation and alleged that the process was not subsequently implemented in Goa.
He also questioned the utilisation of funds earmarked for the tribal community, alleging that around ₹3,200 crore under the Tribal Sub-Plan had been diverted from its intended purpose.
Chodankar said the Congress would continue to demand political reservation for the ST community in Goa.
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao, Lok Sabha MP Capt. Viriato Fernandes, former MP Francisco Sardinha, MLA Carlos Alvares and other Congress leaders attended the programme.
