Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: In a significant show of organisational consolidation ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections, AICC General Secretary (Organisation) K. C. Venugopal chaired a crucial meeting of senior Congress leaders in Goa on Friday, with party leaders emerging from the deliberations projecting a message of unity and collective focus on challenging the BJP.
The meeting, held at Cidade de Goa, was attended by Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) President Girish Chodankar, Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao, MLA Carlos Ferreira and former GPCC President Amit Patkar. Senior Congress leaders Manikrao Thakare and Anjali Nimbalkar were also present.
The discussions centred on organisational strengthening, election preparedness and the party’s strategy for the coming political challenges in Goa. The visit assumed added significance as it came amid speculation over internal differences within the state unit following recent leadership changes.
Venugopal also held separate one-on-one meetings with Quepem MLA Altone D’Costa, Congress leaders Sunil Kawthankar, Pratima Coutinho and Savio D’Silva.
Particular attention was drawn to Venugopal’s interaction with Amit Patkar, his first major engagement with the former GPCC chief after his replacement as state party president. The meeting was closely watched amid rumours of factionalism within the Congress.
Patkar, however, firmly dismissed any suggestion of estrangement, reaffirming his commitment to the party and its political mission.
“I am in the Congress and will continue to work for the Congress. Our primary objective remains defeating the BJP,” Patkar told reporters, adding that he would continue contributing whenever required by the organisation.
Altone D’Costa described the discussions as focused on strengthening the party’s organisational structure and preparing for the next Assembly elections. He said the leadership reviewed political feedback from across Goa, particularly South Goa, and discussed ways to bring all sections of the party together.
On possible electoral alliances, D’Costa reiterated the Congress position that it remains open to working with like-minded parties sharing a common ideological objective of defeating the ruling BJP.
Congress leader Sunil Kawthankar sought to downplay reports of internal discord, describing discussions within the party as a normal feature of a democratic organisation.
“The Congress is like a family. Differences, if any, are addressed internally,” he said, emphasising that the party’s focus remains on issues affecting Goa, including land conversion, corruption and unemployment.
Former Chief Minister Francisco Sardinha also acknowledged the existence of differing opinions within the party but said such differences were natural in any large political organisation.
“As long as everyone works towards a common objective, discussions and differences are part of democratic functioning,” Sardinha said. As chairman of the Congress Coordination Committee, he stressed the importance of maintaining organisational cohesion as the party prepares for the elections.
Savio D’Silva raised concerns regarding the impact of defections on the Congress organisation over the years, stating that the issue had been discussed with the national leadership. He said repeated defections had weakened grassroots structures but maintained that the party was now focused on rebuilding and strengthening its base.
Emphasising unity, D’Silva said organisational positions were temporary but the larger objective of strengthening the Congress remained paramount.
While details of Venugopal’s deliberations remain undisclosed, the message emerging from the high-level meeting was unmistakable: despite speculation over internal divisions, the Congress leadership is attempting to present a united front as it begins preparations for what is expected to be a fiercely contested political battle in Goa over the next two years.
Box 1
Patkar Dismisses Rift Speculation
PANAJI, July 4: Former Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) president Amit Patkar on Friday reaffirmed his commitment to the Indian National Congress, asserting that the party’s primary objective remains defeating the BJP.
Speaking to reporters, Patkar said he continues to be an active member of the Congress and remains committed to working for the party.
“I am in the Congress and will continue to work for the Congress. Our focus remains on defeating the BJP,” he said.
When asked about his role under the current party leadership and possible campaign responsibilities in the future, Patkar said he was not aware of any such decisions and would continue to contribute to the organisation whenever required.
Patkar also addressed questions regarding the induction of Congress leader Adv. Pratima Coutinho entered the party, clarifying that he had supported the process from the outset.
According to Patkar, Coutinho’s proposal to join the Congress had been under consideration for several months, and he had personally followed up with the party leadership regarding the approval process.
He said that after receiving approval from the party’s leadership, he advised Coutinho to formally join the Congress.
Patkar rejected allegations that he had attempted to delay or block her induction into the party.
“I supported the process from the beginning and followed up with the leadership regarding her induction,” he said.
His remarks come amid discussions over internal developments within the Goa Congress and efforts by the party leadership to project unity ahead of future electoral challenges.
box 2
Focused on Defeating
BJP, Says Yuri Alemao
PANAJI: Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao on Friday said the Congress party’s ongoing organisational review exercise in Goa is aimed at strengthening the organisation ahead of upcoming elections, with the sole focus remaining on defeating the BJP.
Speaking to reporters, Alemao said the views and suggestions of Pradesh Congress Committee members, former party presidents, Members of Parliament, former MPs and other senior leaders would be taken into consideration as part of the organisational review process.
He said the exercise was intended to strengthen the party structure and improve coordination within the organisation as Congress prepares for future electoral challenges.
Responding to questions regarding recent political developments, including reports about the formation of a proposed Goa Congress Party, Alemao dismissed the issue as a distraction.
He maintained that the Congress leadership was not concerned with such developments and remained focused on strengthening the party and presenting a united challenge to the BJP.
“The only agenda before the Congress is to build the organisation and defeat the BJP,” Alemao said.
boix 3
Cong United, Working
Collectively: Chodankar
PANAJI: Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) President Girish Chodankar on Friday dismissed speculation about divisions within the Congress, asserting that the party remains united and functions as a cohesive organisation.
Speaking to reporters, Chodankar said the Congress is implementing a structured programme in preparation for the upcoming elections, with regular meetings involving senior leaders, district presidents, office-bearers and representatives of various frontal organisations.
He said the ongoing consultations are aimed at ensuring effective coordination, planning and organisational strengthening across the state.
Responding to questions about alleged internal differences, Chodankar said such narratives were being overstated and did not reflect the reality within the party.
He maintained that the Congress leadership is working collectively and that discussions and coordination meetings are a normal part of the party’s organisational functioning.
“The Congress is united and moving forward together. Regular consultations and meetings are part of the organisational process and should not be viewed as signs of division,” Chodankar said.
box 4
Will Take BJP’s Failures
to People: Carlos Ferreira
PANAJI,: Congress MLA Carlos Ferreira on Friday said his meeting with AICC General Secretary (Organisation) K. C. Venugopal focused on organisational matters and the party’s strategy for the upcoming Assembly elections.
Speaking to reporters, Ferreira said the Congress would take to the people what he described as the BJP government’s failures, including issues related to corruption, rising prices, challenges faced by Goans and the alleged destruction of Goa’s identity and resources.
He said these issues would form a key part of the party’s campaign as it prepares for the next electoral battle.
Dismissing speculation about internal differences within the Congress, Ferreira maintained that the party remains united and that any issues arising within the organisation are resolved internally.
“There are no differences. Any matter that arises is discussed and resolved within the party,” he said.
Responding to questions regarding the recently proposed Goa Congress Party, Ferreira said the Congress has already submitted its objections against the registration of the party.
He further alleged that the BJP was behind the move but declined to elaborate on the Congress’ strategy to counter it.
“Our objections have already been filed. The rest will become clear as events unfold,” Ferreira said.
