Panaji, September 7: The Congress on Monday stepped up its attack on the Goa government over Scheduled Tribe representation and social justice after retired government officer Satyawan Talwadkar joined the party, with GPCC President Girish Chodankar alleging that Talwadkar was denied a promotion that could have made him the first Scheduled Tribe official to reach the position in the Directorate of Accounts.

 

Talwadkar joined the Congress after his retirement in the presence of AICC Goa In-charge Manikrao Thakare, AICC Goa Co-Incharge Dr. Anjali Nimbalkar, GPCC Working President M. K. Shaikh, General Secretary Pradip Naik, Media and Communication Chairman Amarnath Panjikar, District President Rajesh Verekar, Sanguem Block President Diago Fernandes, senior Congress leader Rajanikant Naik, Chanda Velip and Satyawan Gaonkar.

Welcoming Talwadkar, Chodankar sought to turn his entry into the party into a larger question of representation, equal opportunity and the treatment of the Scheduled Tribe community under the BJP government.

According to Chodankar, Talwadkar was due for promotion in the Directorate of Accounts and, had he received it, would have become the first ST official to reach that position. He alleged that caste considerations may have influenced the handling of the promotion and pointed out that Talwadkar had approached the court seeking relief.

“Satyawan Talwadkar had to approach the court to seek what he believed was his rightful due. His case raises questions about fairness and equal treatment in government service, and these concerns deserve to be examined objectively and transparently,” Chodankar said.

Chodankar Raises ₹3,200-Crore ST Funds Question

Broadening his attack on the government, the GPCC president also demanded clarity over the allocation and utilisation of funds meant for the ST community.

Referring to a figure of ₹3,200 crore, Chodankar said the government must place before the public a clear account of how the money earmarked for the community was allocated and utilised.

He also linked the issue to the continuing concerns over political reservation for Scheduled Tribes, saying ST youth were entitled to clear answers regarding reservation, employment opportunities and their future.

“ST youth are seeking clear answers on reservation, opportunities and their future. They have every right to seek accountability and transparency from the Government,” he said.

Chodankar also referred to former minister Govind Gaude and said questions had been raised over the circumstances surrounding his removal as well as the larger issue of ST reservation.

“Today, Satyawan Talwadkar has joined the Congress in the belief that concerns relating to justice, equality and constitutional rights must be heard. Congress will stand with him and with every citizen seeking fair treatment,” Chodankar said.

Thakare: Equality Cannot Be Compromised

AICC Goa In-charge Manikrao Thakare welcomed Talwadkar and said the Congress remained committed to protecting equality, dignity and social justice.

“Every citizen is entitled to equal treatment and a fair opportunity. When concerns are raised about the denial of such rights, they must be heard and addressed through appropriate constitutional and legal mechanisms. Congress will continue to stand with those seeking justice,” Thakare said.

He said Talwadkar’s induction would strengthen the party’s efforts to raise issues affecting people across Goa.

Nimbalkar Calls for Transparency

AICC Goa Co-Incharge Dr. Anjali Nimbalkar said issues concerning employment, reservation and welfare demanded transparency and sensitivity from the government.

“People expect fairness, transparency and equal opportunity from the Government. When genuine concerns are raised, the answer should be dialogue, accountability and appropriate action. Congress will continue to provide a democratic platform for such concerns,” she said.

Nimbalkar said Talwadkar’s entry would strengthen the Congress organisation and its campaign on issues of social justice.

Talwadkar thanked the Congress leadership for welcoming him and said he would work for the people.

His entry into the Congress comes as the party seeks to sharpen its campaign around ST representation, reservation, employment opportunities and utilisation of welfare funds, potentially making social justice a significant political issue ahead of the next Assembly election.