PANAJI
AICC General Secretary Sachin Pilot on Friday accused the BJP of attempting “vote chori” and voter suppression in Goa, alleging that the government was using the Election Commission to delete Congress supporters’ names from electoral rolls.
Addressing a press conference during his visit for the Goy Rakhonn Yatra, Pilot alleged that large numbers of voters had been removed from the rolls to weaken the Congress ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. He said the party would continue reaching out to voters and defending their right to participate in the electoral process.
On governance, Pilot accused the BJP government of repeatedly changing land-use policies to benefit politically connected individuals and builders, calling for a stable development roadmap and greater transparency.
Pilot also raised unemployment, corruption and law-and-order concerns, alleging a “two-tier system” in which ordinary citizens and influential individuals were treated differently.“The youth of Goa want genuine jobs and opportunities,” he said, urging the government to protect Goa’s land, mining and forests while creating opportunities for local talent.
On the yatra, Pilot said it was aimed at connecting directly with people and raising issues concerning Goa’s land, environment and development. On defections, he urged Congress leaders to work together and focus on winning public trust rather than making predictions. GPCC president Girish Chodankar welcomed Pilot’s participation and alleged that Congress posters had been removed in the Chief Minister’s constituency. He said the party was conducting programmes with the required permissions.
“Our objective is to challenge the Chief Minister, target and defeat him along with his entire Cabinet,” Chodankar said.
AICC Goa in-charge Manikrao Thakre said the yatra had entered its 11th consecutive day and was highlighting issues concerning Goa and alleged failures of the State government.
