Congress concludes 25-day ‘Goy Rakhonn Yatra’ in Margao; launches ‘Gaon Rakhonn Abhiyan’ to protect Goa’s land, identity and environment

Gandhi seeks clear majority for Congress in 2027; raises allegations of vote theft and corporate influence, while Girish Chodankar demands white paper on Goa’s ₹50,000-crore liabilities

Margao, October 18, 2026: Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on the BJP government over alleged land grabbing, rising unemployment, corruption and environmental destruction, asserting that Goa belongs to its people and not to the Chief Minister, ministers or powerful corporate interests.

Addressing a massive gathering at the culmination of the Congress party’s 25-day Goy Rakhonn Yatra in Margao on Sunday, Gandhi appealed to Goans to give Congress a clear majority in the 2027 Assembly elections to protect the state’s land, identity, natural resources and democratic rights.

The concluding programme also marked the launch of the ‘Gaon Rakhonn Abhiyan’, a statewide campaign intended to carry forward the Yatra’s mission of safeguarding Goa’s villages, environment, cultural heritage and traditional livelihoods.

GOA BELONGS TO GOANS, NOT CORPORATE INTERESTS: RAHUL

Describing Goa as a paradise blessed with natural beauty and a unique cultural identity, Gandhi alleged that the BJP government was facilitating the exploitation of the state’s land and resources for the benefit of wealthy individuals and corporate interests.

He questioned the government’s priorities, alleging that decisions affecting Goa’s land and environment were being taken without adequately protecting the interests of local communities.

Referring to industrialists Gautam Adani and Mukesh Ambani, Gandhi accused the BJP of pursuing policies favouring powerful business interests while ordinary citizens struggled with unemployment, inadequate public services and economic uncertainty.

He expressed concern over the lack of meaningful employment opportunities for educated Goan youth and stressed the need for quality education, accessible healthcare and development that protects the environment.

Gandhi also criticised the alleged influence of the BJP and RSS over educational institutions and raised questions about the independence and functioning of democratic institutions.

RAHUL REITERATES ‘VOTE CHORI’ ALLEGATIONS

Gandhi also raised the issue of alleged electoral manipulation, reiterating his accusations of vote chori and questioning the role of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Referring to electoral controversies in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal and Assam, he demanded transparency and accountability in the electoral process.

He maintained that Congress would continue its fight to protect the Constitution, democratic institutions and the voting rights of citizens.

The allegations of electoral manipulation remain contested and were presented by Gandhi as part of his political criticism of the BJP and the electoral system.

CHODANKAR DEMANDS WHITE PAPER ON GOA’S FINANCES

GPCC President Girish Chodankar accused the Pramod Sawant-led government of failing to address unemployment, corruption, land conversions, drug-related problems and deteriorating law and order.

Claiming that Goa’s total liabilities had reached approximately ₹50,000 crore, Chodankar demanded that the government release a comprehensive white paper detailing the state’s debt and financial position.

He also questioned the alleged increase in the Chief Minister’s assets and demanded accountability over the alleged cash-for-jobs scam.

Expressing confidence over the response received during the Goy Rakhonn Yatra, Chodankar predicted that Congress could secure 12 to 13 Assembly seats in North Goa alone in the 2027 elections.

He urged Congress workers to convert the public support witnessed during the Yatra into a sustained political movement.

YURI INVOKES HISTORIC OPINION POLL

Leader of the Opposition Yuri Alemao drew parallels between Goa’s historic Opinion Poll movement and the present struggle to protect its identity and land.

Recalling Jawaharlal Nehru’s words, “Let Goa decide its own destiny,” Alemao said the responsibility of protecting Goa’s distinct identity once again rested with its people.

He accused Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Minister Vishwajit Rane of pursuing policies that allegedly threatened Goa’s land, environment and traditional way of life.

Describing the BJP as the “Bhrasht Jhumla Party”, Alemao criticised the government over alleged corruption and administrative failures and called for unity among Goans to bring about political change in 2027.

FROM YATRA TO ABHIYAN: CONGRESS SETS ITS 2027 AGENDA

With the conclusion of the Goy Rakhonn Yatra, which covered all 40 Assembly constituencies, Congress formally launched the Gaon Rakhonn Abhiyan as the next phase of its statewide mobilisation.

The campaign will focus on protecting agricultural land, villages, natural resources, traditional occupations and Goa’s cultural identity, while highlighting unemployment, alleged corruption and deficiencies in public services.

The initiative is also expected to serve as a platform for building public participation ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.

The concluding gathering was attended by AICC Goa In-charge Manikrao Thakare, Co-In-charge Dr Anjali Nimbalkar, GPCC President Girish Chodankar, Opposition Leader Yuri Alemao, Working Presidents Altone D’Costa, M. K. Shaikh and Sunil Kawthankar, MP Capt. Viriato Fernandes, Revolutionary Goans Party National President Viresh Borkar, State President Shavina Shirodkar, former MP Francisco Sardinha, Ramakant Khalap, GPCC Media Chairman Amarnath Panjikar, frontal organisation leaders Dr Pratiksha Khalap, Archit Naik and Rajan Ghate, along with district and block presidents, party workers and supporters.

Amarnath Panjikar compered the programme, Girish Chodankar delivered the welcome address, and Working President M. K. Shaikh proposed the vote of thanks.

The culmination of the Yatra and the launch of the Gaon Rakhonn Abhiyan signal Congress’s attempt to make the protection of Goa’s land, identity and resources a central electoral issue in 2027. Whether the campaign’s momentum translates into votes will be a crucial test for the party in the coming Assembly elections.