Cong warns of protest over Goa special status bill

Margao: Congress on Saturday warned it would take to the streets if the special status bill proposed by South Goa MP Viriato Fernandes fails to pass in Parliament. Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, party leaders said the Constitutional Amendment Bill 2025 seeks to insert Article 371-IA to protect Goa’s unique identity, safeguard the rights of fishermen, SCs, STs, OBCs, and preserve Goa’s language, festivals, folk arts, and cultural heritage.Congress Goa in-charge Manikrao Thakare accused BJP’s “double-engine govt” of ignoring regional interests and facilitating large-scale destruction. He alleged that despite PM Narendra Modi’s 2014 promise, Goa was not safeguarded. Fernandes cited linear infrastructure projects and the Mormugao Port expansion during the 2020 lockdown. State Congress president Amit Patkar said agitation would continue “from Parliament to streets” until they pass the bill.