PANAJI
Sounding the bugle for the 2027 Assembly elections, the Congress party has appealed to its own leaders who had quit or distanced themselves due to internal differences to return and strengthen the party, while drawing a firm red line against defectors, whom it said will have no place in the organisation.
At the same time, the Congress, what it terms as organisational revolution, has thrown open its doors to young leaders, workers and aspirants, urging them to step forward, apply for tickets and emerge as the face of a renewed political fight against the BJP.
Addressing the media after a meeting with All India Congress Committee (AICC) leaders in New Delhi, Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) president Amit Patkar said that with nearly 11 months left for the polls, party appeals to citizens who see themselves as Congress ticket aspirants -- including party workers, leaders and like-minded individuals -- to approach the party and submit application forms.
“Let them join the party and work for the party. The upcoming municipal elections will be an opportunity for them to prove their winnability, especially for the youth, whom we strongly appeal to come forward,” he said.
“I appeal all those, who left us on bitter note or have kept themselves away from party due to internal differences or any other reasons, to come back and help party to put a strong fight against BJP in 2027 elections,” he said while maintaining that AICC leader Rahul Gandhi has made it clear that defectors will have no place in the organization.
Calling for unity, Patkar urged all Goans to come together to defeat the BJP in 2027, asserting that the recent Zilla Panchayat results were a clear indication that the grassroots and common people would stand with the Congress in the next Assembly elections.
Responding to a question on alliance, Patkar said that Congress being a democratic party, it follows a collective decision making process involving booth workers, district committees, State leaders and high command. “I cannot take decision on my own,” he said.
Meanwhile, Patkar said that AICC has accepted the PCC’s December 2022 resolution to increase the number of organisational districts in Goa from two to four, as part of a major restructuring and decentralisation drive.
As per the approved proposal, the first district – Mhadei -- will comprise of eight constituencies from Pernem, Bicholim and Sattari, while the North Goa district, will include 12 constituencies from Tiswadi and Bardez talukas.
The third district -- South Goa -- will consist of 12 constituencies from Mormugao and Salcete, while the fourth district, named Kushavati, will include constituencies from Ponda, Canacona, Sanguem and Quepem.
Patkar said the restructuring will lead to decentralisation of work and powers, enabling better coordination and grassroots outreach. He added that block committees will be restructured based on the Zilla Panchayat election results and reports submitted by district presidents.
