Congress Vows to Scrap Sagarmala, Proposed Satellite Port if Voted to Power: Altone D’Costa

VELIM, OCTOBER 10, 2026: The Congress-led Goy Rakhonn Yatra continued its 19th day in Velim constituency on Saturday, passing through Assolna, Chinchinim and Ambelim, with party leaders calling for the protection of Goa’s land, environment, cultural identity and traditional livelihoods. Addressing residents during the campaign, Congress leaders criticised the BJP government’s development policies and raised concerns over port-related projects, land conversions, unemployment, environmental damage and inadequate public infrastructure.

Congress Working President Altone D’Costa announced that the party would scrap the Sagarmala project and the proposed satellite port if it came to power in Goa, asserting that the interests of local communities, fishing families and the environment would take priority over projects that could threaten their livelihoods.

The yatra witnessed participation from political leaders, party workers and local residents, including members of the Kunbi community. A traditional Kunbi dance marked the conclusion of the programme, celebrating Goa’s cultural diversity and heritage. The procession culminated at Assolna Market, where flower petals were showered on the participants. A participant dressed as a ship’s captain symbolised Velim’s longstanding maritime tradition and the contribution of local tarvoti families.

GPCC President Girish Chodankar, Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao, South Goa MP Capt. Viriato Fernandes, Working Presidents Altone D’Costa and Sunil Kawthankar, and several other senior Congress leaders participated in the campaign, alongside thousands of yatris.

Altone D’Costa promises to scrap Sagarmala and satellite port

Congress Working President Altone D’Costa said a Congress government would scrap the Sagarmala project and the proposed satellite port, arguing that development initiatives must not undermine the livelihoods of fishing communities or damage Goa’s environment.

Questioning reports of a survey being conducted for cargo handling despite statements that the Sagarmala project had been cancelled, D’Costa sought clarification from the government and accused the authorities of creating confusion among the people.

He cautioned that port-related activities could have serious consequences for Velim and neighbouring areas, citing developments at Mormugao Port as a concern for communities dependent on traditional occupations and coastal resources.

D’Costa also assured that the long-pending Dandeavado bypass issue would be resolved and said Congress would draw lessons from its electoral performance in the 2022 Assembly elections.

Yuri Alemao appeals to Goans to unite for Goemkarponn

Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao called for unity among Goans to safeguard the state’s distinct identity, culture and heritage. Recalling the contributions of Dr Julião Menezes and Dr Ram Manohar Lohia during Goa’s freedom struggle, he drew parallels between the historic movement for liberation and the present campaign to protect Goemkarponn.

Alemao accused the BJP government of pursuing policies that, according to him, threaten Goa’s identity and social harmony. He also criticised the proposed anti-conversion bill, claiming that it could create divisions within society, and highlighted concerns affecting fishing communities.

The Congress leader also criticised the Aam Aadmi Party’s six guarantees, referred to allegations surrounding a liquor scam involving the party, and discussed opposition divisions that he said had influenced electoral outcomes in the 2022 Assembly elections.

Invoking the 1967 Opinion Poll and the legacy of Goa’s identity movement, Alemao appealed to people across the state to unite in defence of Goemkarponn. He urged Goans to participate in large numbers when Congress leader Rahul Gandhi joins the Goy Rakhonn Yatra at Cuncolim.

Capt. Viriato Fernandes questions land conversions and employment opportunities

South Goa MP Capt. Viriato Fernandes raised concerns over land conversions, development projects and the lack of adequate employment opportunities for Goan youth.

He accused the BJP government of using land-conversion provisions to facilitate the sale of Goa’s land and questioned why employment opportunities remained limited despite the state’s economic potential and high GDP.

Fernandes warned that unchecked development could threaten the environment, cultural identity and the interests of future generations. He expressed concern over young Goans leaving the state and moving abroad in search of jobs, questioning what would remain of Goa’s land, heritage and traditions if the current pattern of development continued.

He also raised concerns over law and order and defended taxi operators against attempts to portray them as a “mafia”, describing them instead as an important part of Goa’s tourism industry.

Fernandes said the Goy Rakhonn Yatra represented Congress’s commitment to protecting Goa’s land and future, and appealed to the public to turn out in large numbers for Rahul Gandhi’s participation in the campaign.

Savio D’Silva predicts political change in Velim in 2027

Congress leader Savio D’Silva expressed confidence that political change in Goa would begin in Velim during the 2027 Assembly elections.

He criticised AAP leaders over what he described as attempts to weaken Congress’s electoral prospects and paid tribute to Dr Jack de Sequeira for his contribution to the historic 1967 Opinion Poll.

D’Silva also highlighted environmental concerns in the constituency, including pollution in the River Sal, the destruction of hills and paddy fields, and increasing pressure on agricultural land. He called for stronger measures to protect natural resources and preserve the traditional way of life of local communities.

Joel Andrade calls on youth to defend Goa’s future

Congress leader Joel Andrade urged young Goans to take an active role in protecting the state’s land, culture, identity and future. He called for greater youth participation in raising concerns over policies that could affect employment opportunities, local heritage and the interests of future generations.

Andrade also drew attention to inadequate basic infrastructure and healthcare facilities in Velim, as well as sanitation-related issues at the Cutbona fishing jetty. He urged the authorities to address the difficulties faced by residents and fishing communities.

Congress leaders highlight Goa’s freedom struggle and cultural identity

During the Velim leg of the yatra, Congress leaders invoked Goa’s freedom struggle, the contributions of Dr Julião Menezes and Dr Ram Manohar Lohia, and the significance of the 1967 Opinion Poll to reinforce their campaign for the protection of Goemkarponn.

The programme brought together several party leaders, including GPCC President Girish Chodankar, Yuri Alemao, Capt. Viriato Fernandes, Altone D’Costa, Sunil Kawthankar, General Secretary Pradip Naik, Media Department Chairman Amarnath Panjikar, Social Media Chairman Himanshu Tivrekar, Sevadal Chief Rajan Ghate, Mahila Congress President Pratiksha Khalap and Youth Congress President Archit Naik.

District Presidents Assiz Noronha and Mangaldas Naik, Congress leaders Altinho Gomes and Savio D’Silva, former MLA Benjamin Silva, Zilla Panchayat member Julio Fernandes, Block President Francisco Rodrigues, Antoinette Dias, Kenesia Menezes, Joel Andrade and Arcanjle D’Sa, along with other party functionaries and workers, also participated.

The 19th day of the Goy Rakhonn Yatra concluded with Congress leaders reiterating their demand for development that protects Goa’s natural resources, traditional occupations, cultural heritage and social harmony. The party maintained that local communities must have a greater say in decisions affecting their land and livelihoods, while urging residents to join the continuing campaign ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.