Panaji, July 28: Amid growing opposition to Section 39A of the Goa Town and Country Planning (TCP) Act, Vishwasrao Rane has demanded the resignation of TCP Minister Vishwajit Pratapsingh Rane, arguing that the government must accept political accountability as public protests over land conversion intensify across the state.

 

Drawing a parallel with the nationwide student protests over the alleged NEET paper leak, Rane said the agitation demonstrated how democratic public pressure can force questions of accountability to the centre of political debate. He noted that the NEET controversy had triggered widespread protests and demands for accountability, including calls for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

‘Goa Is Witnessing Its Own Public Uprising’

Rane said Goa is now witnessing a similar surge of public opposition, with citizens in different parts of the state raising their voices against Section 39A and its implications for land-use changes.

According to him, the growing protests reflect serious public anxiety over the potential consequences of land conversion for Goa’s environment, heritage, villages and long-term future.

“The people of Goa are expressing deep concern over what Section 39A could mean for the state’s environment, heritage and future. When opposition of this scale emerges, those in power cannot simply ignore it,” Rane said.

Demand for Vishwajit Rane’s Resignation

Holding the TCP Ministry politically accountable for the controversy, Rane demanded that TCP Minister Vishwajit Pratapsingh Rane resign from his post.

He also called upon Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and the BJP government to respond immediately to the mounting opposition rather than allowing public distrust to deepen.

Rane said the government must take “immediate and decisive action” to address citizens’ concerns and demonstrate that decisions affecting Goa’s land and future are being taken transparently and in the wider public interest.

‘Government Must Restore Public Confidence’

With opposition to Section 39A increasingly emerging through public meetings, Gram Sabhas and citizens’ campaigns, Rane said the issue had gone beyond a technical debate over planning legislation and had become a larger question of political accountability.

He urged the Sawant government to listen to the public, restore confidence in the administration and uphold transparent and accountable governance.

“The government cannot remain indifferent when people are raising serious questions about the future of Goa. Accountability must begin at the top,” Rane said.