MARGAO
On the occasion of Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) president Girish Chodankar's birthday, Congress and Goa Forward Party (GFP) leaders acknowledged that no opposition party can afford to ignore the growing public sentiment for a united front against the BJP in the 2027 Goa Assembly elections.
Goa Forward Party president Vijai Sardesai also welcomed Chodankar's decision to contest the next Assembly election, advising the GPCC chief to finalise his constituency at the earliest and begin working towards victory.
Chodankar, meanwhile, asserted that the BJP would struggle to even reach double digits in terms of seats if the non-BJP parties come together to honour the people's desire for a united opposition.
Sardesai, accompanied by GFP leaders Durgadas Kamat, Akbar Mulla, Mohandas Lolienkar and others, visited Chodankar's residence to extend birthday greetings.
During the interaction, both leaders stressed the need for opposition unity to challenge the BJP in 2027 and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the existing alliance between the Congress and the Goa Forward Party.
Speaking to reporters, Sardesai said there was nothing secret about the alliance discussions.
"The situation in Goa today is that people want the BJP to go home. There is a collective sentiment among the people that the opposition should unite. No political party is in a position to ignore this sentiment," he said.
When reminded that he had earlier said the alliance should have been formalised two years ago, Sardesai stood by his statement. "I had conveyed the same to Chodankar. Today is his birthday, so we should think positively. We may have lost the last two years, but it is always better late than never," he said.
Sardesai also urged Chodankar to expedite preparations for the Assembly election. "He should decide the constituency from which he will contest and then take all steps to ensure victory. The Congress is an old party and takes time to arrive at decisions. We need to fast-track the process. The Congress may be susegad, but I don't find Girish susegad. He has to take the lead and work towards winning the election. I pray to the Almighty to give him good health so that he can continue fighting for Goa and secure justice for its people," Sardesai said.
Responding to the greetings, Chodankar thanked the Goa Forward chief and said the alliance between the two parties should now move to the next stage. "Both the Congress and Goa Forward Party are already in an alliance. Unlike several other opposition parties, our alliance already exists. We now have to take it forward by discussing the finer details," he said.
Asked about formal alliance talks, Chodankar said discussions would begin immediately.
"Since Sardesai is in Goa and I am also here, we will soon sit together and hold discussions. As of now, the two parties remain in alliance," he said.
