Former Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government while addressing a public gathering in Ponda, alleging neglect of basic civic infrastructure ahead of the Goa Assembly by-election.
Kejriwal said that while development work typically accelerates during election periods, the situation in Ponda reflects continued neglect. He claimed that even routine pre-election works such as road repairs and sanitation have not been undertaken this time.
“…All the people from other parties, they don’t work for these 5 years, when elections come, suddenly the work starts… but this time the BJP government didn’t get any work done even during the elections,” he said.
He stated that during his three-day visit to Ponda, he observed issues including garbage accumulation, damaged roads, non-functional street lights, and concerns over water quality.
“I’ve been in Ponda for 3 days, but everywhere here there’s garbage, roads are broken, street lights aren’t working, water with worms is coming,” he said.
Kejriwal also questioned the BJP’s governance in Goa over the past 14 years, alleging lack of development.
The Goa Assembly by-election in Ponda is scheduled to be held on April 9, with counting of votes on May 4.
AAP candidate for Ponda, Geetesh Naik, also addressed the gathering, alleging that both BJP and Congress have failed to address key issues in the constituency over the years. He highlighted concerns related to water supply, electricity, healthcare, drainage, and road infrastructure.
Naik said that basic facilities remain inadequate despite decades of governance by both parties and claimed that there has been no significant improvement in public services.
AAP Goa State President Valmiki Naik said the party has undertaken initiatives in healthcare and public outreach in the region and expressed confidence in voter support.
MLAs Venzy Viegas and Cruz Silva also addressed the rally, raising issues related to infrastructure, healthcare, and governance, while urging voters to support the party in the upcoming by-election.
The rally was held at the Old Ponda Bus Stand and saw participation from party leaders and supporters. AAP leaders said the gathering reflected public engagement ahead of the election.
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