Margao: BJP Goa vice-president Narendra Sawaikar’s social media post describing youth protesters as “termites” has drawn sharp condemnation from across the opposition, with parties demanding an unconditional public apology.Congress working president Sunil Kawthankar gave the party 24 hours to apologise, failing which protests would follow, and dared chief minister Pramod Sawant and BJP state president Damu Naik to a public debate on governance and corruption. Goa Youth Congress president Archit Naik asked why BJYM and ABVP had stayed silent on the issue. Congress’ Amit Palekar said the remark exposed BJP’s “real attitude” towards young Goans grappling with unemployment, migration and rising living costs.AAP too joined the chorus, with its state unit alleging that those weakening institutions and dividing society were the “real termites”, not the youth raising their voices. Velim MLA Cruz Silva called the remark “shameful and unacceptable” and said students exercising their democratic right to protest deserved respect, not ridicule.NCP-SP national spokesperson Clyde Crasto termed the comment a reflection of the “sick mindset” within BJP, alleging that instead of addressing student grievances over the NEET paper leak, the party was resorting to police action and displaying “the arrogance of power”.GFP chief Vijai Sardesai criticised govt over exam paper leaks and alleged harassment of protesters. He also flagged irregularities in the GPSC process, alleging favouritism towards specific constituencies, and demanded Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation.
