The protest was led by Goa Pradesh Mahila Congress President Dr Pratiksha Khalap and attended by AICC Goa Desk In-charge Manikrao Thakre, Co-incharge Dr Anjali Nimbalkar, AICC Secretary Prajyoti Handore, GPCC President Girish Chodankar, Mahila Congress members and party workers.
Addressing the gathering, Thakre accused the BJP-led Central government of putting economic pressure on people across the country.
He alleged that the prices of essential goods and fuel had increased sharply under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, while the rupee had weakened against the US dollar.
“The poor are suffering, and women are finding it increasingly difficult to manage household expenses. Inflation continues to rise while the government remains insensitive to the concerns of ordinary citizens,” Thakre said.
Dr Nimbalkar blamed the Centre’s economic policies for higher fuel prices and the rising cost of living. She said inflation had affected all sections of society, including traders and small businesses.
Chodankar said women, the middle class and the Bahujan Samaj had been hit hardest by rising prices. He pointed to the increase in LPG cylinder prices and taxes on essential commodities since 2014, alleging that government policies had weakened the economy.
Dr Khalap said inflation had steadily risen over the past decade despite the BJP’s pre-election promise of “Achhe Din”.
She recalled statements made by Modi during the UPA regime on inflation and the falling rupee and said the Mahila Congress was using those remarks to highlight the current economic situation.
The protesters demanded a reduction in fuel and essential commodity prices and called on the government to provide relief to the common people.
