Support Congress to Protect Goa’s Future and Safeguard Democratic Rights: D.K. Shivakumar

Stand with Girish Chodankar and Yuri Alemao in their fight to bring Congress to power in Goa: D.K. Shivakumar

“Goa Will Be the Next Congress Victory; 2029 Will Be Rahul Gandhi’s Turn to Lead India”: Girish Chodankar

Goa Khabar: Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar today appealed to the people of Goa to support the Congress to protect their democratic rights, safeguard Goa’s identity and secure a better future for the State.

Addressing the 17th day of the Goy Rakhonn Yatra at Cortalim, Shivakumar said, “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.”

“Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and I will stand with you and strengthen your hands. Our GPCC President Girish Chodankar and Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao are fighting to bring Congress to power in Goa. I appeal to you to stand firmly behind them,” he said.

Shivakumar said Goa had witnessed a situation where several members of the State Cabinet were originally elected on Congress tickets but later joined the BJP. “This will not happen again. I give you my word. While voting, use your precious vote wisely and choose the right party,” he said.

Referring to the ongoing controversy over electoral rolls, Shivakumar said, “You have seen how the ruling BJP has been accused of vote theft in the country. Therefore, support Congress to protect your rights. The hand is the symbol of your future, and supporting Congress will mean supporting development and progress.”

He stressed the need to protect Goa’s land, rights, property and environment. “Goa has an educated population, but there are not enough jobs, forcing our youth to move to other States. We are making a new effort to empower you. Karnataka is your neighbouring State and we will continue to stand with Goa in a spirit of brotherhood, including on issues concerning environmental protection,” he said.

Shivakumar also highlighted welfare initiatives implemented by the Congress government in Karnataka, including financial assistance to women, free travel and free electricity, and appealed to Goans to support Congress for the overall development of the State.

“After Telangana and Karnataka, Congress Will Form the Government in Goa”: Girish Chodankar

Welcoming D.K. Shivakumar’s presence in Goa, GPCC President Girish Chodankar said the Karnataka Chief Minister had demonstrated his commitment to Goa by taking time out from his busy schedule to participate in the Goy Rakhonn Yatra.

“D.K. Shivakumar had a GST meeting with the Union Finance Minister in Delhi and was scheduled to return. Yet, despite his commitments, he made time to come to Goa and meet our people. This shows his affection for Goa and his understanding of the political situation here,” Chodankar said.

“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 stand united behind the Congress leadership and reject politics that seeks to divide the people.

“The fight before us is not merely about changing a government. It is about protecting Goa’s land, jobs, environment, democratic institutions and the rights of every Goan. We appeal to the people to stand with Congress and ensure that the people’s mandate is respected,” he said.

Congress Will Not Permit Coal-Related Activities That Threaten Goa’s Environment: Yuri Alemao

Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao expressed confidence that Congress would win 27 seats in the 2027 Assembly elections.

Alemao said that once Congress forms the government in Goa, it will not permit coal-related activities that pose a threat to the State’s environment.

He also reiterated Congress’ commitment to making efforts to ensure 80% employment opportunities for local Goans across sectors.

He 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.

Alemao also expressed concern over the future of Dabolim Airport amid discussions surrounding Mopa Airport. He assured that a Congress government would make every effort to ensure that Dabolim continues to serve as a civilian airport.

“Gyanesh Kumar Is Merely a Puppet; Modi and Shah Are the Real Masterminds”: Viriato Fernandes

South Goa MP Viriato Fernandes alleged that the BJP had launched a conspiracy to weaken opposition votes.

“During the last Lok Sabha election, the Prime Minister came to Goa and appealed to people to defeat Congress, but you gave Congress 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.

“This is why Rahul Gandhi is fighting in Delhi. Gyanesh Kumar is merely a puppet; the real masterminds behind the conspiracy are Amit Shah and Narendra Modi,” he alleged.

Congress Targets BJP Over Democracy, Jobs, Land, Drugs and Goa’s Identity

Congress leaders strongly criticised the BJP government over allegations concerning electoral rolls and vote manipulation, suppression of democratic voices, unemployment, land transfers, the growing 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 local residents across Cortalim and surrounding areas.

The day began with the hoisting of the Congress flag at Queeny Junction, Velsao. The Yatra then proceeded through Quelossim Panchayat, Thannar Market, Arvale and MES Junction, Sancoale, where Congress leaders interacted with local residents.

In the afternoon, the Padayatra began from the statue of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar near the Birla area and proceeded towards Cansaulim Junction, where it received an enthusiastic response from local residents.

Along with DK Shivakumar the Yatra was attended by GPCC President Girish Chodankar, Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao, AICC General Secretary and Goa in-charge Manikrao Thakare, South Goa MP Viriato Fernandes, Quepem MLA Altone D’Costa, Aldona MLA Adv. Carlos Ferreira, GPCC Working President M.K. Sheikh, Working President Sunil Kawthankar, Ex MP Francisco Sardinha Coordination Committee Chairman Francisco Sardinha, GPCC Treasurer Datta D. Naik, Media Chairman Amarnath Panjikar, Social Media Chairman Himanshu Tivrekar, Mahila Congress leaders including 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.