Wednesday 08 Oct 2025

Thakare questions AAP’s intentions, accuses BJP of election rigging in Goa

THE GOAN NETWORK | 07th October, 03:13 pm
Thakare questions AAP’s intentions, accuses BJP of election rigging in Goa

PANAJI: AICC Goa Incharge Manikrao Thakare has urged the Aam Aadmi Party to clarify whether it intends to contest elections against the BJP or Congress, stating that “our entire focus is against the BJP” and emphasizing that Congress remains the principal opposition in the state.

Speaking at a press conference today, Thakare questioned, “Does the Aam Aadmi Party want to fight Congress or BJP? Until now, we understood that Kejriwal wanted to fight the BJP. First, clarify whether you want to fight the BJP or Congress.” He criticized what he called AAP’s attempts to undermine Congress, adding, “They are just trying to stir up trouble for the Congress Party. What is their agenda? Do you really want to help the BJP or not help the BJP?”

Thakare also addressed accusations made by AAP leaders, including Amit Palekar, who alleged backdoor links between the Congress leadership and the state government. “It is clear that Palekar is not part of our party. Why did Kejriwal come here and say what he said? Is he aligned with the BJP? Is he trying to join hands with the BJP and disturb Congress during elections? That’s what you are asking,” Thakare said. He added, “They came to Goa to change opinions and attitudes, trying to mislead the public by making baseless accusations against our leadership.”

Bringing his focus to "Vote Chori," Thakare said, “Where there is one building or one house, 50, 100, or 500 voters were registered in the name of that single house. The government and the Election Commission deliberately colluded to cast these fake votes.” He credited Rahul Gandhi for exposing the issue, adding, “Rahul Ji has repeatedly stated that there has been major rigging in this election, and the Government and the Election Commission are both involved.”

The signature campaign, according to Thakare, aims to expose alleged vote theft and mobilize public participation. He stressed the need for public participation, saying, “Everyone in this country who believes in the Constitution and feels that the right to one vote and the right to freedom should remain unimpaired should stand together against the BJP and the Election Commission.” He described the campaign in Goa as gaining strong momentum: “We started this campaign yesterday in three constituencies. The response is big, the response is very good. Today, we are starting in two more constituencies.”

On local elections, Thakare confirmed Congress is preparing to contest the Zilla Parishad elections decisively. “All our leaders have agreed that we must contest the election, and everyone should start preparing for it,” he said. He also defended Congress’s leadership and candidate selection process, stating, “When selecting a candidate, I will speak to them, asking them to reflect on their integrity and tell me how they will remain loyal. We will completely support people on whom we have full faith and trust.”

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