CONGRESS LAUNCHES 27-DAY ‘GOA RAKHON YATRA’

CONGRESS LAUNCHES 27-DAY ‘GOA RAKHON YATRA’

Yuri Alemao to Convene Statewide Yatra from September 22 to October 18; Congress Promises First Cabinet Signature in 2027 to Scrap 39A

Panaji, September 12, 2026: The Goa Pradesh Congress Committee on saturday  announced a 27-day “Goy Rakhon Yatra” from September 22 to October 18, covering all 40 Assembly constituencies, with a strong message that Goa’s land, identity, environment and future will not be compromised for political or commercial interests.

The announcement was made at a press conference at the Goa International Centre, Dona Paula, attended by GPCC President Girish Chodankar, Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao, Working Presidents Altone D’Costa, Carlos Alvares Ferreira, M.K. Shaikh and Sunil Kawthankar, and Media & Communication Department Chairman Amarnath Panjikar.

Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao, who will be the Convenor of the Goa Rakhon Yatra, said the campaign will unite Goans across communities and take up issues directly affecting their lives.

“This will be a movement by the people of Goa for Goa. We are fighting land grabbing, hill cutting, corruption, fraud, unemployment and the sale of government jobs. Goa cannot be allowed to become the property of a handful of vested interests,” Alemao said.

He made a strong commitment on Section 39A, stating that a Congress government would act immediately after assuming office.

“When Congress forms the next government in 2027 with the blessings of Goans, the first signature of the Cabinet will be to scrap 39A. We will put the interests of Goans above vested interests,” Alemao declared.

He said Congress would pursue a tourism policy focused on sustainability rather than uncontrolled exploitation.

“We want a liberal and welcoming Goa with sustainable national and international tourism. We will work to strengthen quality tourism from traditional international markets, including the UK and Europe, while protecting Goa’s environment, culture and social fabric,” he said.

Alemao recalled Congress’s historic contribution to Goa, stating that the party delivered the Opinion Poll victory, Statehood and Konkani as the official language.

Appealing to Goans to join the campaign with a positive outlook, he said, “Let us move together to rebuild Goa and protect the future of Goa and Goans. The next Congress government will be a government of the people. Goans have understood the BJP’s politics of divide and rule and the role of its agents.”

“GOY VIKPAK DIVCHE NA, BJP-K JIKPAK DIVCHENA”

GPCC President Girish Chodankar said the Yatra will travel through villages, towns and cities across all 40 constituencies.

“We will not merely speak to the people; we will listen to them. Their grievances, views, vision and expectations will guide our political action. Congress will not go against the wishes of the people,” Chodankar said.

He said the Congress would approach the people with humility and determination.

“We will bow before the people for Goa’s future. We will work with the people to protect communal harmony, unity, environment, ecology and our culture.”

The central slogan of the Yatra will be:

“GOY VIKPAK DIVCHE NA, BJP-K JIKPAK DIVCHENA.”

Chodankar announced that traditional “Mand” gatherings will become public forums where Goans can speak, debate and collectively deliberate on the future of the State.

“Mand will be the people’s platform. People will speak, people will debate and people will decide the future of Goa.”

Senior Congress leaders including Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, K.C. Venugopal, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Congress Chief Ministers and young leaders such as Sachin Pilot, among others, are expected to join the people during the Yatra.

A special Gandhi Jayanti programme will be held in Sakhlim constituency on 2nd October.

The Goa Rakhon Yatra T-shirts and campaign videos were also launched during the press conference.

The Congress appealed to Goans from every community and section to participate in the Yatra and make it a united movement to protect Goa’s land, environment, heritage, culture, employment and the future of its people.