PANAJI, November 4, 2026: Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) Media Department Chairman Amarnath Panjikar has challenged Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant to hold a public debate in Panjim on corruption, unemployment, the Cash-for-Jobs scam and alleged governance failures, instead of challenging Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to a debate in Delhi.
Reacting to the Chief Minister's challenge to Rahul Gandhi, Panjikar said Sawant should face the people of Goa and answer questions concerning the functioning of his government.
“Why debate with Rahul Gandhi in Delhi? Let Dr. Pramod Sawant come to Panjim. I openly challenge him to debate the failures of his government before the people of Goa,” Panjikar said.
He raised several issues, including alleged corruption, questionable government contracts, recruitment controversies, land conversions, rising prices, law and order and the use of public funds.
CASH-FOR-JOBS SCAM AND UNEMPLOYMENT
Panjikar questioned the government's handling of the Cash-for-Jobs scam and asked who allegedly demanded money from job aspirants, who protected those accused and why accountability had not been established.
He said educated Goan youth continue to face unemployment and alleged that recruitment controversies have damaged public confidence in the government's employment process.
LAND CONVERSIONS AND SMART METER EXPENDITURE
The Congress leader also raised concerns over Section 39A, large-scale land conversions and the reclassification of villages, claiming that these developments threaten Goa's identity, heritage and traditional communities.
Questioning the Smart Meter project, Panjikar pointed to the reported cost escalation from ₹467 crore to ₹890 crore and demanded a transparent financial and technical audit.
KALA ACADEMY, TRIBAL WELFARE AND SMART CITY
Panjikar demanded accountability over the Kala Academy renovation controversy, particularly regarding expenditure, delays and the quality of work.
He also raised questions about expenditure related to Prerana Din and Janjati Gaurav Week, referring to alleged irregularities highlighted through RTI revelations.
On Smart City development, he criticised the condition of Panjim's drainage, sewage systems, roads and civic infrastructure despite substantial public expenditure.
RISING PRICES, ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC SERVICES
The Congress leader further questioned the government's response to rising prices of essential commodities, electricity, healthcare and education.
He also flagged concerns over drug-related activities, crimes against women, sewage pollution, coal-related pollution and environmental degradation.
Other issues raised included mounting state debt, deteriorating public healthcare, government school infrastructure and the difficulties faced by fishermen, small traders and tourism stakeholders.
“BRING YOUR RECORDS, WE WILL BRING THE FACTS”
Accusing the government of highlighting economic growth while ordinary Goans face several challenges, Panjikar said the Chief Minister should answer questions about public expenditure, governance and development.
“My challenge to the Chief Minister is simple: Come to Panjim. Let us debate corruption, Cash-for-Jobs, land conversions, public expenditure and every major failure of your government. Bring your records, we will bring the facts,” Panjikar said.
He added that before inviting Rahul Gandhi for a debate in Delhi, the Chief Minister should first address the concerns of the people of Goa.
The challenge has set the stage for a political exchange between the Congress and the BJP, with Panjikar demanding a public debate on the government's performance and accountability.
