In a powerful act of resistance, the people of Goa have gathered at Azad Maidan in Panjim to protest what they describe as an “undeclared emergency” under the BJP-led state government. This demonstration, organized by Citizens For Goa and bolstered by political figures like Vijai Sardesai, the President of the Goa Forward Party and MLA from Fatorda, is a response to allegations of corruption, suppression of dissent, and misuse of governmental power. Amid the chants and banners, the protesters have symbolically sought to “break the fourth wall ,” invoking the theatrical concept of German playwright Bertolt Brecht to challenge the government’s narrative and awaken public consciousness. This article delves into the protest’s roots, the meaning of an “undeclared emergency” in Goa, and the significance of breaking the fourth wall as an act of political defiance.
The Gathering at Azad Maidan: A Cry for Democracy
On July 11, 2025, thousands of Goans converged at Azad Maidan, a historic public space in Panjim long associated with civic expression and political rallies. The protest was spearheaded by Citizens For Goa, a grassroots movement, and drew support from opposition leaders like Vijai Sardesai, who has emerged as a vocal critic of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The demonstrators accused the state government of undermining democratic principles through authoritarian tactics, including the silencing of opposition voices and the manipulation of state institutions.
Sardesai, addressing the crowd, condemned the government for fostering a “fake democracy” where dissent is met with intimidation. “They’re scared of the truth. We’re not stopping!” he declared, rallying the protesters who waved signs and shouted slogans decrying alleged corruption and repression. The event also spotlighted the government’s decision to observe “Samvidhan Hatya Diwas” (Constitution Murder Day) in schools—a move critics argue is designed to distort history and discredit dissenters by branding them as “anti-national” or “urban Naxalites.” For the people at Azad Maidan, this protest was not just about specific grievances but a broader fight to reclaim their democratic rights.
The ‘Undeclared Emergency’: Echoes of Authoritarianism
The term “undeclared emergency” evokes memories of India’s Emergency period (1975–1977), when civil liberties were suspended under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s regime. In Goa, protesters have adopted this phrase to describe a perceived erosion of democracy without an official declaration. They allege that the BJP-led government is employing subtle yet pervasive strategies to consolidate power, such as using the police to target opposition leaders, controlling media narratives, and intimidating activists.
Vijai Sardesai highlighted these concerns in his speech, asserting, “Opposition leaders are being targeted, voices silenced, and the police are being used as private goons.” Participants at the rally pointed to a pattern of governance marked by land deal scandals, environmental neglect, and a clampdown on free expression. While Goa has seen protests in recent years over various issues, the framing of the current situation as an “undeclared emergency” underscores a deepening rift between the government and its citizens, raising alarms about the health of democratic institutions in the state.
Breaking the Fourth Wall: A Theatrical Call to Action
A striking feature of the Azad Maidan protest was the protesters’ attempt to “break the fourth wall of Bertolt,” a reference to the theatrical technique pioneered by Bertolt Brecht. In traditional theater, the “fourth wall” is the invisible barrier separating actors from the audience, preserving the illusion of a self-contained story. Brecht, a German playwright and theorist, advocated breaking this wall—having actors directly address the audience—to disrupt complacency and provoke critical thought about the performance’s themes.
In Goa, the protesters appeared to have adapted this concept to the political stage. By “breaking the fourth wall,” they aim to pierce the government’s carefully curated narrative of stability and progress, exposing what they see as a hollow performance of democracy. This symbolic act is a plea for transparency and a challenge to the public to move beyond passive acceptance of official rhetoric. As one protester put it, “We’re not just here to shout; we’re here to make everyone see the truth behind the curtain.” By drawing on Brecht’s ideas, the demonstrators are urging citizens to question the power structures at play and actively participate in shaping their state’s future.
The Broader Implications: A Turning Point for Goa?
The protest at Azad Maidan signals a pivotal moment for Goa’s political landscape. It reflects a growing frustration among residents who feel marginalized by a government they accuse of prioritizing power over people. The response from the authorities—whether conciliatory or repressive—will likely influence the trajectory of civic activism in the state. If the notion of an “undeclared emergency” resonates widely, it could spark a larger movement for accountability and reform.
The invocation of “breaking the fourth wall” adds a layer of intellectual and symbolic depth to the protest, reframing political engagement as a participatory act rather than a spectator sport. It challenges both the government to justify its actions and the public to demand a more authentic democracy. “This is not just about today,” one demonstrator remarked, “it’s about what kind of Goa we want for tomorrow.”
A Stage Set for Change
The gathering at Azad Maidan is more than a protest against specific policies—it is a stand against the perceived decay of democratic values in Goa. By rallying against an “undeclared emergency” and symbolically breaking the fourth wall, the people of Goa are not only confronting their government but also redefining how they engage with power. Whether this movement will lead to tangible change remains uncertain, but it has undeniably ignited a dialogue that echoes far beyond the open fields of Azad Maidan, calling for a Goa where democracy is not just performed but lived.
