DK Shivakumar Urges Goans to Back Congress to Protect Democratic Rights and Goa’s Future

CORTALIM, OCTOBER 8, 2026: Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Thursday appealed to Goans to support the Congress in the 2027 Assembly elections, saying the party would work to protect democratic rights, Goa’s identity, land, environment and the interests of its people.

Addressing the 17th day of the Goy Rakhonn Yatra at Cortalim, Shivakumar said he had a special bond with Goa and urged voters to make a careful choice while exercising their franchise. He said Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and himself would stand with Goa, while GPCC President Girish Chodankar and Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao were working to bring the party back to power in the State.

Referring to instances of elected representatives switching parties after winning on Congress tickets, Shivakumar said such a situation should not be repeated. He urged voters to use their “precious vote” wisely and choose the party they believe would protect their interests.

Shivakumar also raised concerns over the ongoing controversy surrounding electoral rolls and allegations of vote manipulation. He said Congress would continue to fight for democratic rights and described the party’s hand symbol as representing development and progress.

The Karnataka Chief Minister also highlighted concerns over Goa’s land, environment and employment opportunities. He said Goa’s educated youth were being forced to move outside the State due to limited employment opportunities and said Karnataka would continue to support Goa as a neighbouring State, particularly on environmental issues.

Shivakumar cited welfare programmes implemented by the Congress government in Karnataka, including financial assistance for women, free travel and free electricity, while appealing to Goans to support Congress for the State’s overall development.

Chodankar Predicts Congress Victory in Goa

GPCC President Girish Chodankar welcomed Shivakumar’s participation in the yatra and said his decision to visit Goa despite other commitments reflected his concern for the State.

Chodankar claimed that Congress had defeated the BJP in Telangana and Karnataka and said Goa would be the next State where the party would form the government.

He expressed confidence that Congress would return to power in Goa in 2027 and said the party would subsequently play a leading role nationally under Rahul Gandhi in 2029.

Chodankar said the electoral battle was not merely about changing the government but about protecting Goa’s land, jobs, environment, democratic institutions and the rights of its people. He appealed to Goans to unite behind the Congress leadership.

Yuri Alemao Promises Action on Coal, Jobs and Dabolim

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

Alemao said a future Congress government would not permit coal-related activities that could threaten Goa’s environment. He also reiterated the party’s commitment to working towards providing 80% employment opportunities for local Goans across sectors.

He said land transferred to builders by the present government, including land associated with Zuari Agro Chemicals, would be examined and verified if Congress comes to power.

Alemao also raised concerns over the future of Dabolim Airport amid discussions surrounding Mopa Airport. He said a Congress government would make every effort to ensure that Dabolim continues to function as a civilian airport.

Viriato Fernandes Alleges Conspiracy Over Electoral Rolls

South Goa MP Viriato Fernandes accused the BJP of attempting to weaken opposition votes through what he described as a conspiracy involving electoral rolls.

Fernandes alleged that efforts were being made to remove or reduce the votes of political opponents and said this was among the reasons Rahul Gandhi was raising the issue at the national level.

He further alleged that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar was acting as a “puppet” and claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah were the real decision-makers behind the alleged electoral exercise.

Congress Raises Issues of Democracy, Jobs, Land and Environment

Congress leaders at the programme also criticised the BJP government over allegations relating to electoral rolls, democratic rights, unemployment, land transfers, the drug menace, law and order, Goa’s identity and environmental concerns.

AICC General 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 late actor and social worker Nana Patekar.

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

Later, a padayatra began from the statue of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar near the Birla area and proceeded towards Cansaulim Junction, with Congress leaders interacting with residents along the route.

The programme was attended by GPCC President Girish Chodankar, D.K. Shivakumar, Yuri Alemao, Manikrao Thakare, Viriato Fernandes, Quepem MLA Altone D’Costa, Aldona MLA Adv. Carlos Ferreira, GPCC Working Presidents M.K. Sheikh and Sunil Kawthankar, former MP Francisco Sardinha, GPCC Treasurer Datta D. Naik, Media Chairman Amarnath Panjikar, Social Media Chairman Himanshu Tivrekar, Mahila Congress leaders Esther Rani and Pratiksha Khalap, Goa Pradesh Youth Congress President Archit Naik and several district-level and senior Congress leaders.

Cortalim Block President Peter D’Souza, Olensio Simoes, Mariano Rodrigues, Rocky Wallace, Leslie Gama and Anthony Fernandes were also present.