THE GOAN NETWORK
PANAJI
Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge will make his maiden visit to Goa on August 17, marking a significant organisational push by the party ahead of the 2027 Goa Assembly elections.
Party sources said Kharge, who will be on a one-day visit, is expected to hold meetings with Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) president, party MLAs and other senior leaders to assess the party's preparedness for the Assembly polls. The detailed programme is yet to be finalised.
Kharge's visit will be his first to Goa since assuming charge as Congress president and is expected to set the tone for the party's organisational and political campaign in the run-up to the 2027 Assembly elections.
On Tuesday evening, the GPCC leadership and the Congress Legislature Party held a meeting to discuss arrangements for Kharge's visit as well as the launch of the party's 'Goem Rakhan Yatra', which is scheduled to commence on September 22 and cover all 40 Assembly constituencies.
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao described Kharge's visit and the proposed yatra as major milestones in the party's campaign.
"This is going to be a historic rally. It will instil confidence among the people that the Congress is the only credible alternative to the BJP. The Congress has consistently stood with the people of Goa on every important issue," Alemao said.
Rejecting speculation of factionalism within the State unit, the Leader of Opposition asserted that the party was united.
"There are no differences within the party. Everyone is united and working in the interest of the party and the people of Goa," he said.
Expressing confidence ahead of the 2027 elections, Alemao claimed that the Congress would secure a decisive mandate.
"In 2027, the Congress will win 27 seats," he said.
Alemao also reiterated the party's commitment to repeal the controversial Section 39A provisions of the Town and Country Planning Act if voted to power.
"We will ensure that Section 39A is scrapped," he said.
