Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) has expressed confidence of securing a decisive victory in the 2027 Assembly elections, claiming that recent Zilla Panchayat election results reflect rising public discontent against the BJP.
Speaking at a press briefing, GPCC president Amit Patkar said the ZP outcome had reinforced Congress’ position as the principal opposition in the state and marked a clear turnaround for the party. He said the results pointed to strong anti-incumbency sentiments against the ruling BJP, which, according to him, were evident across constituencies.
Patkar said the party has begun a detailed booth-level assessment to identify strengths and gaps, which he said would help sharpen organisational strategy ahead of the 2027 polls. He noted that Congress’ performance had steadily improved over successive elections, pointing out that the party increased its ZP tally from four seats in 2020 to ten this time. Referring to the 2022 Assembly elections where Congress won 11 seats, Patkar said the upward trend gave the party confidence of crossing the 27-seat mark in the next Assembly elections.
Acknowledging shortcomings within the organisation, Patkar said there were delays in candidate announcements in some areas and weaknesses at the block level. However, he credited party workers for putting in sustained effort on the ground, which he said contributed to the improved performance.
Patkar also targeted the Aam Aadmi Party, claiming its influence in Goa had diminished, and alleged that AAP-backed candidates failed to perform even in constituencies represented by its MLAs. He further accused the BJP of misusing money power, influence and state machinery during the ZP elections, while claiming that the ruling party was unable to match its earlier performance.
Echoing these views, South Goa MP Captain Viriato Fernandes said the Congress would now prioritise strengthening its grassroots presence and boosting worker morale. He said the party’s focus was firmly on organisational consolidation with an eye on 2027.
Reacting sharply to the Congress claims, BJP Goa president Damu Naik dismissed Patkar’s projection as unrealistic. “They can continue to dream, but we are working in a practical manner. Our party is physically present on the ground,” Naik said, rejecting the Congress’ assessment and asserting that the BJP remains firmly connected with voters.
