Team Goemkarponn
CORTALIM: Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Thursday appealed to the people of Goa to support the Congress to protect their democratic rights, safeguard the State’s identity and secure a better future, as he participated in the 17th day of the Goy Rakhonn Yatra at Cortalim.
Addressing Congress leaders, workers and local residents, Shivakumar said the party stood for inclusive development and would continue to fight for the rights and welfare of the people. With the 2027 Goa Assembly elections approaching, he urged voters to make an informed choice and support the Congress.
“I have a special love for Goa and its people, which is why I have come here with great confidence. The year 2027 will be an election year. The history of the Congress is the history of India’s development. Congress is a party that takes everyone along and stands with people in their happiness and sorrow. Therefore, support Congress to protect your democratic rights,” he said.
Shivakumar assured the people of Goa that Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and he would stand with them. He appealed to the people to support Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) President Girish Chodankar and Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao in their efforts to bring the party to power in the State.
Referring to the political defections witnessed in Goa, Shivakumar said several members of the State Cabinet had originally been elected on Congress tickets before joining the BJP. He assured voters that the party would work to prevent a recurrence of such a situation and urged them to exercise their franchise wisely.
On the controversy surrounding electoral rolls, Shivakumar alleged that the BJP had been accused of vote theft and said the Congress was committed to protecting democratic rights. He described the Congress hand symbol as a symbol of the people’s future, development and progress.
Emphasising the need to safeguard Goa’s land, property, environment and the rights of its people, Shivakumar expressed concern over unemployment and the migration of young Goans to other States in search of jobs. He said Karnataka, as Goa’s neighbouring State, would continue to stand with the people of Goa in a spirit of brotherhood, including on environmental issues.
He also highlighted welfare initiatives implemented by the Congress government in Karnataka, including financial assistance to women, free bus travel and free electricity, and urged Goans to support the party for the overall development of the State.
Welcoming Shivakumar’s participation in the Yatra, GPCC President Girish Chodankar said the Karnataka Chief Minister had demonstrated his commitment to Goa by taking time out of his busy schedule to interact with the people.
Chodankar said Shivakumar had attended a GST meeting with the Union Finance Minister in Delhi and was scheduled to return, but nevertheless made time to participate in the Goy Rakhonn Yatra.
“This shows his affection for Goa and his understanding of the political situation here,” Chodankar said.
Predicting a Congress victory in the 2027 Assembly elections, Chodankar said Goa would follow the party’s electoral successes in Karnataka and Telangana.
“Congress has defeated the BJP in Telangana and Karnataka, and Goa will be the next State to show the way. After Telangana and Karnataka, Congress will form the government in Goa. Following that, in 2029, Congress will lead the country under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi. The people of Goa are ready for change, and the Goy Rakhonn Yatra is carrying that message to every constituency,” he said.
Chodankar urged Goans to unite behind the Congress leadership, asserting that the party’s fight extended beyond changing the government and focused on protecting Goa’s land, jobs, environment, democratic institutions and the rights of its people.
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao expressed confidence that the Congress would win 27 seats in the 2027 Goa Assembly elections.
Alemao said a Congress government would not permit coal-related activities that threatened Goa’s environment. He also reiterated the party’s commitment to making efforts to ensure that 80 per cent of employment opportunities across sectors were reserved for local Goans.
Raising concerns over land transfers, Alemao said official records relating to land transferred to builders by the present government, including land associated with Zuari Agro Chemicals, would have to be examined and verified.
He also expressed concern over the future of Dabolim Airport amid discussions surrounding Mopa Airport and assured that a Congress government would make every effort to ensure that Dabolim continued to function as a civilian airport.
South Goa MP Viriato Fernandes alleged that the BJP had launched a conspiracy to weaken opposition votes through electoral roll manipulation.
Referring to the previous Lok Sabha elections, Fernandes said the Prime Minister had campaigned in Goa against the Congress, but voters had given the party a lead of nearly 3,000 votes.
“The same battle has now reached another level. A conspiracy is being carried out to remove or reduce the votes of political opponents,” Fernandes alleged.
He said Rahul Gandhi was fighting against these alleged practices at the national level and accused Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of acting at the behest of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
“Gyanesh Kumar is merely a puppet; the real masterminds behind the conspiracy are Amit Shah and Narendra Modi,” Fernandes alleged.
Congress leaders criticised the BJP government over allegations concerning electoral rolls and vote manipulation, the suppression of democratic voices, unemployment, land transfers, the drug menace, law-and-order concerns and threats to Goa’s identity, heritage and environment.
AICC Secretary and Goa in-charge Manikrao Thakare, referring to the Congress protest in Delhi, alleged that the BJP was attacking the foundations of the Constitution and democracy.
The programme began with Congress leaders and workers paying tribute to the late renowned actor and social worker Nana Patekar.
The Yatra also witnessed extensive interaction with residents in Cortalim and surrounding areas, with Congress leaders discussing local concerns and the party’s campaign priorities.
The day began with the hoisting of the Congress flag at Queeny Junction in Velsao. The Yatra then proceeded through Quelossim Panchayat, Thannar Market, Arvale and MES Junction in Sancoale, where party leaders interacted with local residents.
In the afternoon, the Padayatra commenced from the statue of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar near the Birla area and proceeded towards Cansaulim Junction, receiving an enthusiastic response from local residents.
The Yatra was attended by Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, GPCC President Girish Chodankar, Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao, AICC Secretary and Goa in-charge Manikrao Thakare, South Goa MP Viriato Fernandes, Quepem MLA Altone D’Costa, Aldona MLA Adv. Carlos Ferreira, GPCC Working Presidents M.K. Sheikh and Sunil Kawthankar, Coordination Committee Chairman Francisco Sardinha, GPCC Treasurer Datta D. Naik, Media Chairman Amarnath Panjikar, Social Media Chairman Himanshu Tivrekar, Mahila Congress leaders Esther Rani and Pratiksha Khalap, Goa Pradesh Youth Congress President Archit Naik, North Goa District Congress President Shashank Narvekar, South Goa District Congress President Assiz Noronha, Kushavati District Congress President Rajesh Verekar, Mhadei District Congress President Mangaldas Naik, Congress Seva Dal President Rajan Ghate, Beena Nauk, Pramod Salgaonkar, Pratima Coutinho and several other senior Congress leaders.
Cortalim Block President Peter D’Souza, Olensio Simoes, Mariano Rodrigues, Rocky Wallace, Leslie Gama and Anthony Fernandes also participated in the programme.
