September 25, 2025

Ponda is buzzing with fiery emotions as Codar villagers gear up for a massive protest against the IIT Goa campus being planned in their village. Remember the violent protest in Melaulim, Sattari, back in January 2021? The one where locals clashed with the police and forced the government to drop the plan? Well, Codar promises an even bigger agitation! On Sunday, hundreds of Revolutionary Goans activists joined the Codar protest. The group’s leader, St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar, fired sharp words at the government. "The govt wants to raise the land rate in the village on the pretext of the IIT project," he said. Borkar also questioned the government’s choice, saying, "Why bring such projects only to poor villages like Codar and not to places like Moti Dongor or Indira Nagar where migrants stay?" The protest mood spread beyond Codar. Kasamshell villagers also expressed their distrust and met Sanvordem MLA Ganesh Gaonkar, asking for his support to stop the project. Adding more weight to the villagers’ fight, Goa Forward Party president and Fatorda MLA Vijay Sardesai visited Codar on Monday evening. He promised legal action to defend villagers' rights. Sardesai openly accused the BJP government, saying it has "some hidden agenda behind bringing the project in the green village." He warned, "Projects shouldn’t be set up at the cost of livelihood of villagers." The green fields, fresh air, and peaceful life of Codar villagers are now locked in a fierce battle with big plans for change. Will this village stand its ground or give way to the government’s dream of IIT Goa? The drama is just beginning, and Goa is watching closely!

Read More at Timesofindia →

Tags: Iit goa, Codar protest, Land rights, Goa politics, Villagers agitation, Bjp government,