Rahul Gandhi appeals for a complete majority in  2027 polls

Rahul Gandhi appeals for a complete majority in  2027 polls

MARGAO, Oct 18: The Goy Rakhonn Yatra, organised by the Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC), culminated in Margao on Sunday in the presence of Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Mr Rahul Gandhi, AICC In-charge, Mr Manikrao Thakare, Co-In-charge Dr. Anjali Nimbalkar, GPCC President, Mr Girish Chodankar, Goa Leader of the Opposition, Mr Yuri Alemao, Working Presidents, Mr Altone D’Costa, Mr M. K. Shaikh and Mr Sunil Kawthankar, MP Capt. Viriato Fernandes, Revolutionary Goans Party (RGP) National President, Mr Viresh Borkar, State President, Mr Shavina Shirodkar, former MP, Mr Francisco Sardinha, Mr Ramakant Khalap, Media Chairman, Mr Amarnath Panjikar, frontal chiefs, Ms Pratiksha Khalap, Mr Archit Naik and Mr Rajan Ghate, district presidents,block presidents ,Congress leaders, party workers and  thousands of supporters.

The grand culmination also witnessed the launch of the Congress’ ‘Gaon Rakhonn Abhiyan’, extending the Yatra’s mission of protecting Goa’s land, identity, environment and the rights of its people.

Addressing the gathering, Mr Gandhi accused the BJP government of prioritising the interests of wealthy individuals and corporate interests over those of ordinary Goans. Describing Goa as a paradise whose land, environment and cultural identity must be protected, he alleged that land-related decisions were facilitating the transfer of Goa’s resources away from local communities. He asserted that Goa belonged to its people and not to the Chief Minister or any BJP minister.

Mr Gandhi raised concerns over unemployment, environmental degradation, land-related controversies and the alleged exploitation of Goa’s natural resources. He questioned the lack of adequate employment opportunities for Goan youth, pointing to the challenges faced by young people seeking jobs and the need for quality education, accessible healthcare and sustainable development.

He accused the BJP government of promoting a governance model that favoured powerful corporate interests, referring to industrialists Mr Gautam Adani and Mr Mukesh Ambani. He also criticised the alleged influence of the BJP and RSS over educational institutions and raised concerns about the functioning of democratic institutions.

Calling upon Goans to defend their land, rights and future, Mr

Gandhi appealed to the electorate to give Congress a full majority in the 2027 Assembly elections. He expressed confidence that Congress could bring accountable governance and address the concerns of ordinary citizens.

Mr Gandhi reiterated his allegations of vote theft and electoral irregularities, naming Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister, Mr Amit Shah and Chief Election Commissioner, Mr Gyanesh Kumar in connection with his claims. Referring to electoral processes in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal and Assam, he called for accountability and stronger protection of democratic institutions.

He said Congress workers would continue defending the Constitution and democratic values, asserting that allegations of electoral manipulation must be addressed transparently and through appropriate legal and institutional processes.

While Mr Chodankar launched a sharp attack on the BJP government led by Mr Sawant, raising concerns over land conversions, unemployment, drug-related issues, law and order, and alleged corruption.

Mr Chodankar placed Goa’s liabilities at approximately Rs 50,000 crore and demanded that the government publish a white paper on the state’s finances to provide transparency on its debt and liabilities

Mr Chodankar  predicted that the party could win 12–13 Assembly seats in North Goa in 2027. He called upon party workers to build on the momentum generated by the Yatra and intensify their efforts to bring about political change.

Mr Alemao recalled Goa’s historic Opinion Poll movement and invoked Jawaharlal Nehru’s statement, “Let Goa decide its own destiny.” He drew parallels between the historic struggle to preserve Goa’s identity and the present campaign to protect the state’s land, culture and interests.

Mr Alemao  referring to the BJP as the “Bhrasht Jhumla Party”, he criticised the government over alleged corruption and governance failures.

The launch of the Gaon Rakhonn Abhiyan marked the next phase of Congress’ campaign to protect Goa’s villages, land, environment, culture and traditional way of life.

Congress leaders reiterated their commitment to fighting alleged corruption, opposing land-related decisions detrimental to local communities, creating employment opportunities for Goan youth, improving public services and safeguarding Goa’s natural and cultural heritage. Mr Amarnath Panjikar competed the programme.