PANAJI
After dismissing the possibility of an alliance with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for the forthcoming Zilla Panchayat (ZP) elections, the Congress has shifted focus towards forging a broader united front to take on the ruling BJP.
The All India Congress Committee (AICC) in-charge for Goa, Manikrao Thakare, has set up a high-level committee comprising senior leaders to formulate poll strategies and explore alliance options if deemed necessary. The panel, chaired by Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) president Amit Patkar, convened its first meeting on Thursday to discuss candidate selection and possible tie-ups.
“Congress has a strong presence across all 40 Assembly constituencies. We have received applications from candidates in all 50 ZP constituencies. However, there is a growing sentiment among the people that opposition parties should unite against the BJP,” Patkar told reporters after the meeting.
Highlighting that the party’s approach would take into account the larger political picture ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections, Patkar said, “Our decision on alliances will be guided by the best interests of Goa and the need to oust the corrupt BJP government.”
He further informed that the committee will meet again on Friday to continue deliberations on the alliance issue. “We have sought inputs from our elected representatives and others. The final call will be taken keeping in mind the people’s expectations,” Patkar added.
The high-level committee includes Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao, CWC member Girish Chodankar, South Goa MP Capt. Viriato Fernandes, MLAs Adv. Carlos Alvares Ferreira and Altone D’Costa, and senior vice president MK Shaikh.
Earlier, Thakare had categorically rejected any alliance with AAP, asserting that there can be no tie-up with a party that repeatedly attacks the Congress and its leadership.
Meanwhile, Patkar confirmed that the party has already shortlisted several candidates, and both the final list and alliance decisions will be placed before the GPCC for approval. “The names will be made public once the State Election Commission announces the poll schedule,” he said.
The ZP elections”held on party lines”will be contested for 50 seats across the State, with 25 constituencies each in North and South Goa.
