Leader of Opposition calls out BJP’s ‘witch hunt’
Panaji: Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao was questioned and his statement recorded by the Panaji police on Monday in connection with the February 2026 protest march demanding scrapping of Section 39A of the TCP Act outside the residence of TCP Minister Vishwajit Rane in Dona Paula.
Police said Velim MLA Cruz Silva was also summoned and his statement was recorded. More summons are being issued in connection with the case, a police officer said.
“Our mantra is ‘Daro Mat’. We are fighting for causes and issues of people. This is a political witch hunt by the BJP,” Alemao said.
He said the BJP is known to keep the police engaged in silencing dissent and political witch hunts. “Law and order has collapsed in the state as the police and ruling politicians are hand in glove with criminals and those who disturb social harmony are given a safe passage,” Alemao said after remaining present at the Panaji police station.
RGP St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar had led a protest demanding scrapping of Section 39A of the TCP Act. After six days, from February 21 to February 26, he had withdrawn the indefinite hunger strike following suspension of proposals of ‘land conversions’ under Section 39A of the TCP Act in St Andre constituency, assurances from Chief Minister Pramod Sawant that the three FIRs registered against the agitators would not be pursued, and that discussion would be held during the Assembly session on scrapping of Section 39A of the TCP Act.
However, Panaji police had started summoning people who were part of the agitation. Police had registered three FIRs in connection with the protests. Borkar was named in two cases, while Alemao, MLAs Venzy Viegas, Carlos Ferreira and Silva were named in the other case.
Last month, RGP president Manoj Parab and Congress leader Samil Volvoikar were summoned.
