Congress Vows to End 26-Year Political Drought in 2027
Congress leaders target BJP over mining closure, Sanjivani Sugar Factory, tribal welfare funds, water scarcity, unemployment and alleged corruption; accuse government of exploiting Sanguem’s natural resources while neglecting local communities
Goa Khabar:The Congress party’s Goy Rakhonn Yatra entered its 22nd day on Thursday, receiving an overwhelming response in Sanguem, where party leaders launched a strong attack on the BJP-led government over alleged corruption, unemployment, exploitation of natural resources, denial of tribal land rights and failure to provide essential infrastructure.
Expressing confidence that Congress would return to power in Goa in the 2027 Assembly elections, party leaders pledged to end Sanguem’s 26-year political drought without a Congress MLA and usher in a new era of development, employment, social justice and protection of tribal rights.
The leaders alleged that despite contributing significantly to Goa’s water supply and mineral resources, Sanguem had been systematically neglected in terms of infrastructure, employment opportunities and basic amenities. They accused the BJP government of pushing mining-dependent families, farmers and tribal communities into financial hardship while failing to address their long-standing grievances.
The padyatra witnessed the participation of AICC Goa Desk In-charge Manikrao Thakare, AICC Co-In-charge Dr. Anjali Nimbalkar, GPCC President Girish Chodankar, Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao, GPCC Working Presidents M. K. Shaikh and Sunil Kawthankar, Media Chairman Amarnath Panjikar, Social Media Chairman Himanshu Tivrekar, Mahila Congress President Pratiksha Khalap, Youth Congress President Archit Naik, Seva Dal Chief Rajan Ghate, District President Rajesh Verekar and Block President Diago Fernandes.
Congress leaders Josephine Fernandes, Janardhan Bhandari, Pralay Bhagat, Scheduled Tribe leaders Satyawan Gaonkar and Satyawan Talwadkar, social worker Amit Naik, Dr. Shankar Nadkarni, C. M. Fernandes, Chanda Velip, Rajanikant Naik, Jitendra Naik and Sanguem Youth President Yogesh Gaonkar were also present, along with other party leaders, office-bearers and a large number of supporters.
Girish Chodankar: BJP Has Betrayed the People of Sanguem
GPCC President Girish Chodankar thanked the people of Sanguem for their enthusiastic participation in the Goy Rakhonn Yatra, stating that the response reflected growing public dissatisfaction with the BJP government and an increasing demand for political change across Goa.
Targeting Sanguem MLA Subhash Phal Dessai, Chodankar questioned why residents continued to face water scarcity despite the constituency supplying water to other parts of Goa.
He accused the BJP government of neglecting the Bahujan Samaj, minority communities and ordinary citizens while failing to ensure equitable development.
Chodankar also alleged irregularities in the allotment of liquor and wine shops at Goa’s airports, claiming that outsiders were being favoured over local Goans. Demanding a thorough investigation into the state’s liquor trade, he questioned why similar scrutiny was not being applied to Goa when the liquor policy controversy involving Arvind Kejriwal had attracted considerable attention in Delhi.
He further alleged that the BJP and RSS were pursuing policies detrimental to the economic interests, traditional occupations and businesses of the Bahujan Samaj.
Referring to the mining shutdown in 2012, Chodankar held the BJP responsible for the financial distress faced by thousands of mining-dependent families, particularly those belonging to the Bahujan Samaj.
He also alleged that the closure of the Sanjivani Sugar Factory was intended to facilitate control over its valuable land, thereby jeopardising the livelihoods of farmers and workers.
Chodankar accused the BJP government of undermining traditional taxi operators and other local businesses. He further raised concerns over alleged corruption in government recruitment, including the cash-for-jobs scam, demanding accountability from those responsible.
Pointing out that Sanguem had not elected a Congress MLA for the past 26 years, Chodankar recalled development initiatives undertaken in the constituency under the leadership of Yuri Alemao and his father, former minister Joaquim Alemao.
He expressed confidence that the people of Sanguem would support Congress in the 2027 Assembly elections and bring an end to the constituency’s prolonged absence of Congress representation.
Raising the issue of tribal welfare, Chodankar questioned Minister Digambar Kamat over allegations previously made against him by the BJP and former Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar in connection with the alleged ₹35,000-crore mining scam.
He questioned the BJP’s present position on those allegations now that Kamat was serving as a minister in the BJP-led government.
Chodankar also demanded a detailed account of approximately ₹3,200 crore reportedly earmarked for tribal welfare, questioning whether the intended benefits had reached Scheduled Tribe communities.
Referring to alleged financial irregularities in the Prerna Din celebrations, he said Congress had raised serious concerns over the alleged misuse of public funds intended for tribal welfare.
He further held Digambar Kamat politically responsible for the deaths of two tribal youths during the Balli agitation and urged the Scheduled Tribe community to demand answers from the government regarding welfare expenditure, land rights and continuing injustice.
Manikrao Thakare: People Will Reject BJP’s Misrule in 2027
AICC Goa Desk In-charge Manikrao Thakare expressed confidence that Congress would win the Sanguem Assembly constituency in 2027 and appealed to residents to support the party in its efforts to restore development and accountable governance.
Thakare criticised the BJP government for allegedly failing to grant land ownership rights to tribal communities and accused Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant of failing to protect Goa’s land, forests and environment.
He further alleged that law and order had deteriorated under the present administration and that Sanguem continued to remain underdeveloped despite years of BJP rule.
Referring to the public response to the Goy Rakhonn Yatra, Thakare said the movement had sent a strong message that the people of Goa were seeking political change.
He claimed that the BJP leadership had realised that its government had failed to fulfil public expectations.
Thakare also alleged that Chief Minister Pramod Sawant was considering moving to New Delhi amid growing dissatisfaction with his government’s performance.
He expressed confidence that voters would reject the BJP in the 2027 Assembly elections and bring Congress back to power in Goa.
Yuri Alemao Recalls Development Initiatives, Assures Justice to Sanguem
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao recalled his long-standing association with Sanguem, stating that he had aspired to serve the constituency in 2012, when his father, former minister Joaquim Alemao, was serving as its Palak Mantri.
He said several development and welfare initiatives had been undertaken during that period, including road improvements, implementation of government schemes, construction of a burial ground for the Muslim community, housing repairs for Scheduled Tribe families under the RDA scheme and beautification of temples and churches.
Alemao criticised the BJP government for failing to address the difficulties faced by mining-dependent families, alleging that the closure of mining operations during former Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar’s tenure had severely affected their livelihoods.
He also accused the local MLA of engaging in vendetta politics instead of addressing the constituency’s pressing developmental needs.
Launching an attack on Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Alemao alleged that the BJP government was attempting to divide Hindus, Christians and Muslims for political advantage.
He further accused the government of misusing funds intended for tribal welfare while Scheduled Tribe communities continued to struggle for basic rights and development.
Expressing concern over the increasing sale of land in Sanguem, Alemao emphasised the need to protect Goa’s land, identity, environment and natural resources.
He assured residents that Congress would select a popular, capable and committed candidate for the constituency in the 2027 Assembly elections.
Alemao also pledged to personally monitor issues affecting Sanguem and work towards resolving long-pending grievances relating to infrastructure, employment, agriculture and public welfare.
Satyawan Gaonkar Calls for Unity Ahead of 2027 Elections
Congress Scheduled Tribe leader Satyawan Gaonkar said Sanguem had remained without a Congress MLA for the past 26 years and urged party workers and supporters to remain united to reverse the situation in the 2027 Assembly elections.
Referring to the public participation in the Goy Rakhonn Yatra, Gaonkar claimed that the response would give sleepless nights to local MLA Subhash Phal Dessai.
He accused the BJP of treating the Scheduled Tribe community merely as a vote bank while neglecting its legitimate rights, welfare and development.
Gaonkar appealed to Congress workers to strengthen the party organisation at the grassroots level and work collectively towards securing victory in Sanguem.
Satyawan Talwadkar Highlights Plight of Farmers and Mining-Dependent Families
Scheduled Tribe leader Satyawan Talwadkar accused the BJP government of pushing several families in Sanguem into financial hardship following the closure of the Sanjivani Sugar Factory and mining operations.
He said farmers, workers and mining-dependent households had suffered serious economic setbacks due to the loss of traditional livelihoods.
Talwadkar alleged that the government had failed to provide adequate relief, rehabilitation or alternative employment opportunities to affected families.
He expressed confidence that the people of Sanguem would unite to elect a Congress MLA in the 2027 Assembly elections.
Amit Naik Urges Congress Workers to Remain United
Congress leader Amit Naik expressed confidence that the party would emerge victorious in Sanguem in the 2027 Assembly elections.
Recalling development initiatives undertaken by Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao and his father, former minister Joaquim Alemao, Naik said their contributions had benefited residents through various infrastructure projects and welfare schemes.
He urged Congress workers to set aside differences, strengthen grassroots coordination and work with unity and determination to secure victory in the upcoming elections.
Chanda Velip Raises Concerns Over Rising Prices and Tribal Unemployment
Scheduled Tribe leader Chanda Velip criticised the BJP government over the rising prices of essential commodities, alleging that the increasing cost of living had placed a heavy financial burden on ordinary families.
She highlighted the difficulties faced by dairy farmers in Sanguem and expressed concern over the lack of employment and sustainable livelihood opportunities for members of the Scheduled Tribe community.
Velip alleged that the government had failed to address these issues, leaving farmers, tribal families and economically weaker sections struggling to meet their daily needs.
She called for greater attention to agricultural development, employment generation and the economic empowerment of tribal communities.
Jitendra Naik Questions Development Priorities and Water Scarcity
Congress leader Jitendra Naik criticised the BJP government for allegedly failing to deliver justice to the people of Sanguem, stating that residents had received repeated assurances while their long-pending grievances remained unresolved.
He raised concerns over large commercial projects being introduced in the constituency, alleging that such developments were placing additional pressure on local water resources and contributing to water scarcity.
Naik urged residents to remain united and reject divisive politics, stressing that collective action was essential to protect Sanguem’s natural resources and secure sustainable development.
Dr. Shankar Nadkarni Calls for Protection of Goa’s Resources and Identity
Dr. Shankar Nadkarni criticised the BJP government for allegedly neglecting the hardships faced by the people of Sanguem and failing to ensure that local communities benefited from the constituency’s natural wealth.
He alleged that Sanguem’s valuable resources, particularly water and iron ore, had been extensively exploited while residents continued to face inadequate infrastructure, unemployment and limited development opportunities.
Recalling his involvement in Goa’s historic Opinion Poll movement, Nadkarni said he had travelled alongside Dr. Jack Sequeira during the struggle to preserve Goa’s distinct identity.
He urged the people of Sanguem to carefully evaluate the constituency’s present circumstances and elect a capable, responsible and committed representative in the 2027 Assembly elections.
Congress Reiterates Commitment to Sanguem’s Development
The programme was compered by Congress Media Chairman Amarnath Panjikar. Block President Diago Fernandes delivered the welcome address, while Rajanikant Naik proposed the vote of thanks.
The 22nd day of the Goy Rakhonn Yatra concluded with Congress leaders reiterating their commitment to safeguarding Goa’s land, forests, water resources, environment and tribal rights.
They pledged to prioritise employment generation, revival of agriculture, protection of traditional livelihoods, healthcare, infrastructure development, transparent governance and social justice.
Expressing confidence that the political atmosphere in Sanguem was changing, Congress leaders asserted that the constituency would end its 26-year political drought in 2027 by electing a Congress MLA and beginning a new chapter of development and accountable governance.
