The Goa Forward Party has sharply criticised the Union Budget 2026–27, alleging that it has completely ignored Goa and failed to address the state’s key developmental priorities despite specific demands placed before the Centre by the Goa government.
Reacting to the Budget, the party said that during the pre-Budget consultation held on January 10, 2026, the Goa government had sought several special financial packages for critical sectors. However, none of these demands found mention in the final Budget, which the party described as “step-motherly treatment” towards the state.
“The Union Budget has drawn a complete naught for Goa. Despite being ruled by the same party at the Centre and in the state, Goa’s genuine demands have been ignored,” the party said in a statement.
The party pointed out that Goa had sought a ₹100 crore special package to promote renewable energy, ₹500 crore for the newly created Kushavati district, ₹1,000 crore for industrial corridor integration with national highways, and ₹160 crore for the development of a new railway station at Margao. Additional demands included ₹600 crore to address sea erosion, ₹300 crore for strengthening health infrastructure, and ₹600 crore for upgrading sewerage networks and solid waste management systems.
The Goa Forward Party also highlighted that a ₹700 crore special package had been proposed to strengthen tourism infrastructure, establish a Centre of Excellence for tourism skilling, and promote the experience economy through theme parks, adventure tourism and wellness tourism. The party said the absence of any allocation for tourism was particularly concerning, given that tourism remains the backbone of Goa’s economy.
Questioning the ruling party’s “double engine” governance narrative, the Goa Forward Party said that despite the same party being in power at both the Centre and the state, Goa continues to face discriminatory treatment. “Same party, same government, but different treatment for Goa. Is this the double engine that Goans were promised?” the party asked.
The party asserted that Goa deserves equitable treatment, dedicated funding and recognition of its unique economic, environmental and social challenges, and said it would continue to raise Goa’s concerns at every appropriate forum.
Leave a Reply