Team Goemkarponn
VASCO: The Congress-led ‘Goy Rakhonn Yatra’ drew strong public participation in Vasco on Friday, with opposition leaders launching a multi-pronged attack on the ruling BJP ahead of the 2027 Goa Assembly elections. Reaffirming the party’s commitment to safeguarding Goa’s identity and environment, Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) president Girish Chodankar pledged to make Mormugao taluka free from chronic coal pollution if Congress comes to power.
Addressing the gathering, Chodankar urged voters to defeat the BJP in the 2027 Assembly elections, citing Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar as an example of standing firm against political pressure. He also levelled allegations against Chief Minister Pramod Sawant in connection with the cash-for-jobs controversy and alleged that police had destroyed crucial evidence.
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao targeted local BJP MLAs Sankalp Amonkar and Daji Salkar, along with Minister Mauvin Godinho, accusing them of pursuing divisive politics and failing to address civic issues, including garbage management.
Alemao also raised concerns over flights being shifted from Dabolim Airport to Mopa, warning that civilian operations at Dabolim could remain under threat. On the state’s finances, he claimed Goa’s debt had crossed ₹40,000 crore and criticised the government for reportedly raising an additional ₹700 crore in loans in September.
He further alleged that nearly 30,000 voters had been arbitrarily removed from the electoral rolls in Mormugao, raising concerns over the integrity of the electoral process.
South Goa MP Captain Viriato Fernandes highlighted what he described as the deteriorating law and order situation in the state, expressing concern over women’s safety.
Local Congress leader Nandadeep Raut expressed confidence that the party would win all four Assembly constituencies in Mormugao taluka. He also assured young people of employment opportunities in central government companies, including Goa Shipyard Limited.
Meanwhile, NCP Goa chief Jose Philip D’Souza and Minority Cell chairman Nazir Khan opposed the privatisation of berths at Mormugao Port, warning that the move could have serious economic consequences for local workers and working-class communities.
The rally witnessed participation from senior leaders and representatives of the Pradesh Congress Committee, Mahila Congress, Youth Congress, NSUI and alliance partners. Cultural performances by local artists marked the conclusion of the programme.
With the 2027 Assembly elections approaching, the yatra underscored Congress’s efforts to build its campaign around environmental protection, employment, civic concerns and financial accountability while challenging the BJP government’s record in Goa.
