PANAJI
Moving ahead with their proposed pre-poll alliance for the 2027 Assembly elections, the Congress and Revolutionary Goans Party (RGP) on Monday held their third round of discussions, focusing on a common manifesto and key issues including scrapping Section 39A, introducing a POGO law and ensuring there are no defections by elected legislators. The meeting focused exclusively on State-related issues and was aimed at working out a common policy framework for the proposed alliance. The two parties also discussed issues such as Goa’s financial burden and measures they intend to pursue if voted to power.
Speaking to media persons post meeting, RGP president Shavina Naik Shirodkar said the parties had held an extensive discussion on the common manifesto, including the POGO law, Section 39A and a commitment against defection apart from law and order, environmental protection, etc.
Shirodkar said the alliance would not be hurried and that the parties were working towards building a structured framework. “We don’t want to do everything in a hurry. A proper, structured and thoughtful alliance will be built. We are working on it step by step,” she said. She also made it clear that the POGO Bill would remain a key issue for RGP. “There is no compromise on this issue,” sh e said. On seat-sharing, Shirodkar said the issue would be taken up after the alliance is formally announced. AICC Goa co-incharge Anjali Nimbalkar said the next meeting would focus on seat-sharing and the total number of constituencies to be contested. She clarified that no decision had so far been taken on seats or constituencies. The Congress and RGP had earlier formally decided to work together for the 2027 polls. Monday’s meeting was the third round of talks since that decision and focused on evolving a common manifesto.
Nimbalkar said other parties that support Goa’s issues and want the State to progress could also be part of the alliance. She said the Goa Forward Party (GFP) and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) would be welcome if they wished to join, but any such decision would be taken jointly by the Congress and RGP.
“No one has approached us so far. But any decision will be taken jointly by Congress and RGP,” she said.
