AAP says it's lone challenger to BJP for Calangute ZP seat

PANAJI

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has accused Goa’s two main parties — the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress — of collusion in the ongoing Zilla Panchayat elections. According to AAP, the Calangute seat is the clearest example of this alleged understanding.

At a press conference in Panaji, AAP Organisation Secretary Shrikrishna Parab, flanked by the party’s Calangute candidate Carol Fernandes, took aim at both rivals. Parab pointed out that Carmelina Fernandes, once expelled by the BJP, is now contesting on a Congress ticket. “This is the same Carmelina who campaigned for BJP Sarpanch Joseph Sequeira. So, in Calangute, there are actually two BJP candidates. Even if voters think they are voting for Congress, their vote will ultimately go to BJP,” Parab said.

Carol Fernandes echoed the charge, calling AAP the “only real opposition” to the BJP in Calangute. “If you vote for Carmelina Fernandes thinking she represents Congress, that vote will go to BJP because she has worked extensively for them. Since 2022, she has actively campaigned for Joseph Sequeira. I appeal to the people of Calangute to vote for change and support AAP,” she said.

Parab alleged that Congress has betrayed anti-BJP voters and even its own workers by fielding a candidate with BJP links. 

"Only AAP is serious about fighting and defeating BJP,” Parab said.

With the ZP election campaign heating up, AAP is positioning itself as the lone challenger to the ruling party. The battle for Calangute, they insist, is not between three parties — but between BJP and AAP.