PANAJI
Minutes after the AAP-Goa Forward Party launched the “Goa First Alliance” on Sunday, ending speculation over a possible tie-up with Congress ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections, Congress hit back, saying similar political alliances in Goa had historically failed to remain intact until polling.
Congress working president Sunil Kawthankar said it was premature to comment on the alliance, pointing out that past arrangements had collapsed before reaching the electoral stage.
“We have seen such alliances in Goa in the past too and many have broken also. These alliances have never seen elections together. Hence, it is premature to comment on anything at this particular juncture,” he said.
Kawthankar also accused the BJP of using such alliances as “split vote technology” to divide the Opposition vote and facilitate its return to power.
Questioning AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal’s criticism of defections, he cited the defection of seven AAP Rajya Sabha MPs, including Raghav Chadha, to the BJP. “Was this not a defection? Does AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal have any moral ground to question Congress on defection when seven of your MPs had defected to the BJP and many other MLAs too?” he asked.
Kawthankar said voters would eventually see through the alliance. “People are not fools. Soon they will get exposed. This is ‘split vote technology’ by the BJP and helps them to come to power,” he said.
