The Mahila Congress on Tuesday urged voters in Ponda to elect Congress candidate Dr Ketan Bhatikar in the by-election scheduled for April 9, while criticising the BJP government over law and order and welfare issues.
Addressing a press conference at the Congress office in Ponda, Mahila Congress leaders raised concerns over crime in the state, particularly offences against women.
The briefing was attended by Mahila Congress President Dr Pratiksha Khalap, All India Mahila Congress General Secretary and Goa in-charge Shilpa Arora, AIMC Secretary and Goa co-incharge Adv Prajyoti Handore, along with local leaders Wilma Pereira and Shirley Dias.
Arora alleged that the state government had failed in ensuring safety and justice.
“In 2025, more than 2,050 crimes were registered in the state. On average, two murders and nine rape cases are reported every month. Crimes against women have increased from 288 in 2023 to 365 in 2024—almost one every single day. There were 106 rape cases in 2024, with a significant number of victims being minors. Recent incidents involving the exploitation of minor girls have shocked society and exposed serious failures of law enforcement,” she said.
She further claimed that the law and order situation had worsened and raised concerns over drug-related incidents.
“The tragic death of a young boy due to a drug overdose during a public event raises serious questions about governance and the functioning of the police. The drug menace is spreading rapidly across Goa. Drugs are easily accessible, destroying the future of our youth, while the administration continues to remain a silent spectator,” Arora said.
Appealing to voters, she said, “This election is not just political—it is a fight for dignity, safety, and justice. We appeal to the people of Ponda to stand with a leader who has always stood with you. Vote for Ketan. Vote for Congress on 9th April.”
Khalap said that Ponda required a representative who would address local issues and criticised the implementation of welfare schemes.
“I am also deeply concerned about the way welfare schemes are being handled. A few months back, the Griha Aadhar scheme was stopped for two to three months, and then suddenly resumed with messages claiming government outreach. In Ponda, the government sent personal messages to all ladies a month back and then asked the ladies to come to Rajiv Gandhi Kala Mandir in Ponda to avail the Griha Aadhar scheme by calling it ‘sarkar tumchya dari’,” she said.
“I strongly believe that this is an attempt to take advantage of the helplessness of poor families for political mileage. A government that exploits people’s vulnerability cannot be trusted,” Khalap added.
She also raised concerns over infrastructure in the constituency.
“Ponda does not have good roads, a good hospital, nor proper water supply. Congress has given the voters a committed candidate in Dr Ketan Bhatikar, who is always accessible to the people, sincere and hardworking,” she said.
Khalap also criticised recent remarks made by Union Minister Shripad Naik.
“I am also surprised by the recent statements made by Union Minister Shripad Naik. Before pointing fingers at our candidate, I believe he should first reflect on his own party’s candidate and his history,” she said.
The Mahila Congress appealed to voters, particularly women and youth, to consider issues of safety, governance and development while casting their votes in the bypoll.
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