Panaji, August 5: Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) President Girish Chodankar has strongly responded to a clarification letter issued by HOABL Impactum Lands Private Limited, the company behind the proposed Karapur project, stating that legal notices will not intimidate him or the Congress party from raising issues concerning Goa’s land, environment and public interest.
The company, through a letter dated July 24, 2026, sought clarification over Chodankar’s public statements regarding its Karapur project. In the communication, HOABL denied having any relationship or business association with former US President Donald Trump, the Trump Organization, or Jayesh Parab, and asserted that its projects have been undertaken after obtaining the necessary statutory approvals. The company also requested Chodankar to issue a clarification and refrain from making what it described as misleading statements, warning that continued publication of such statements could invite legal action.

Responding to the company’s communication, Chodankar said he has submitted a detailed reply and has refused to retract even a single statement made by him in connection with the Karapur project.
“Don’t try to frighten us with legal notices. Answer the questions raised by the people of Goa instead,” Chodankar said, maintaining that public representatives have both a constitutional right and a democratic responsibility to question matters involving large-scale development projects and governance.
He said the company’s attempt to seek clarifications does not alter the fact that several questions concerning the Karapur project continue to be raised by local residents and the people of Goa.
“Lodha wrote to me seeking clarification regarding my public statements on the Karapur project. In my detailed reply, I have firmly declined to retract a single statement,” Chodankar said.
According to him, raising questions on issues of public importance is protected under the Constitution and cannot be curtailed through legal notices or attempts at intimidation.
“Raising questions on matters of public interest is our constitutional right. Goa deserves complete transparency, accountability, and honest answers—not attempts to silence public concern,” he stated.
Chodankar reiterated that the Congress party would continue to support citizens opposing issues they believe affect Goa’s land, environment and future generations.
“Congress will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the people and raise every issue that concerns Goa,” he asserted.
The GPCC President also maintained that democratic debate requires openness and accountability from all stakeholders, particularly in projects involving public resources and significant land development. He said questions raised in the public domain should be answered with facts rather than through legal threats.
The exchange comes amid continuing public debate over the Karapur project, with villagers, activists and political leaders demanding greater transparency regarding land acquisition, statutory permissions and the overall impact of the development. While HOABL maintains that its project complies with all applicable laws and approvals, Chodankar has made it clear that the Congress will continue to seek answers on behalf of the people of Goa and will not withdraw its stand under legal pressure.