Buoyed by Salcete showing, Yuri revives call for Grand Oppn Alliance

Leader of the Opposition Yuri Alemao celebrates the victory of Congress Guirdolim candidate Sanjay Velip with party workers.

MARGAO
Buoyed by the party’s strong performance in the Zilla Panchayat elections, particularly in its stronghold of Salcete, Leader of the Opposition Yuri Alemao has unveiled his mantra for the 2027 Assembly elections: opposition parties must set aside their differences and work together to defeat the BJP.
Alemao was categorical in stating that all political parties must come together for the 2027 Assembly elections if Goa and its people are to win. “We will tell our high command that Goa comes first. Goa is burning today. There is corruption all around. Whatever compromises we need to make, the party will be able to do so,” he said.
He added, “To win the 2027 election, Congress will be prepared to make compromises for the sake of Goa and its people. The Congress leadership should understand that one needs to play to win, and not just play for the sake of playing.”
'Elements working against party'
The Opposition leader also revealed that the party had received reports suggesting that certain internal and external elements worked against it during the Zilla Panchayat polls. “We need to identify these elements and show them the door,” he said.
Conceding that the Congress committed some errors, Alemao said the opposition alliance could have performed much better. “My idea of a Grand Opposition Alliance (GOA) could not take shape. We have to set aside our differences. To win in 2027, we need to make compromises. This is the formula for 2027,” he stated.
Emphasising unity, Alemao said, “We are Goemkars first, and we need to ensure that everyone is brought together to take on the BJP. This did not happen in the ZP polls, but it is my moral duty to make it happen in the future for the benefit of Goemkars.”
Calling the current situation in Goa "a wake-up call" for all opposition parties, Alemao said that the Congress, as the principal opposition party, will take the lead in bringing everyone together to defeat the BJP.