THIVIM: With the 2027 Goa Assembly elections drawing closer, political tensions in Tivim have escalated after Fisheries Minister and BJP MLA Nilkanth Halarnkar and former legislator Kiran Kandolkar locked horns over allegations linked to illegal matka activities.

The dispute began after Halarnkar reportedly accused Kandolkar of being associated with the matka network operating in the area and alleged that such activities were harming local youth by encouraging addiction and other unhealthy practices.

Kandolkar dismissed the accusations and accused the minister of using the matka issue to divert attention from questions related to development and governance in Tivim. He said that instead of presenting achievements from his tenure, the minister was choosing to make personal attacks.

Throwing a challenge at Halarnkar, Kandolkar said that if illegal gambling activities were indeed active in Tivim, the government should immediately crack down on them. He argued that law enforcement falls under the State administration and questioned how such operations could continue if the authorities were functioning effectively.

The former MLA also remarked that the Home Department is directly under Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, suggesting that the ruling establishment itself must answer if matka activities are thriving in the State.

Responding to remarks about youth being exposed to tobacco and similar substances, Kandolkar said such concerns come under the Health Department headed by Vishwajit Rane. He maintained that the minister's statements reflected failures within the government rather than shortcomings of political opponents.

The exchange has intensified political speculation in Tivim, which is expected to witness a high-profile contest in the next Assembly elections. In the 2022 polls, Halarnkar retained the seat for the BJP after defeating Kavita Kandolkar, wife of Kiran Kandolkar, who was contesting on a Trinamool Congress ticket.