AAP Files Police Complaint After Alleged Threats to Volunteers

PANAJI: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Thursday staged a protest in Margao, alleging intimidation of its volunteers by supporters of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The party intensified its ongoing #BJPCheBurak signature campaign against poor road conditions in the State, challenging the BJP to stop its drive.

The protest at the Margao Municipal Garden followed an incident in Moti Dongor, where AAP alleged that a close aide of PWD Minister and local MLA Digambar Kamat threatened its volunteers collecting signatures. AAP leaders said they had lodged a police complaint against the individual concerned.

AAP Goa president Amit Palekar accused the government of negligence in maintaining roads. “For four years we demanded pothole-free roads. The moment we launched #BJPCheBurak, the government rushed to fill a few potholes. This proves their failure. Instead of threatening our volunteers, they should take action against corrupt contractors and engineers whose negligence has cost lives,” he said.

AAP working president Gerson Gomes claimed that volunteers were facing pressure not only in Margao but also in Sankhali and Calangute. “The BJP keeps talking about winning 27 seats in 2027. If they are so confident, why are they afraid of our volunteers? This shows the party is rattled by our growing presence,” he remarked.

Party leader Sandesh Teleikar Dessai added that intimidation would not deter AAP. “Such tactics were used in Delhi too, but we did not bow down. In Goa as well, we will continue our door-to-door campaign to highlight corruption,” he said.

AAP leaders later met the volunteer who was allegedly threatened during the campaign. The party has vowed to continue its outreach drive across Margao and other constituencies despite opposition from political rivals.