Margao: Social activists and NGOs urged Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday to strengthen opposition unity in Goa, deny tickets to defectors and field “clean, new, sincere, youthful” candidates ahead of the 2027 assembly elections.A ‘Priority Goa’ delegation led by Swapnesh Sherlekar submitted a memorandum to Kharge in the presence of Congress state president Girish Chodankar, South Goa MP Viriato Fernandes and other party MLAs. The delegation had earlier submitted the same representation to four opposition parties.Sherlekar said Goans wanted a united opposition against BJP and called for an anti-defection pledge from candidates, along with a ban on tickets to those who switch parties. The group also submitted a “risk space analysis” identifying constituencies vulnerable to defection and urged Congress to finalise seat-sharing with allies by Sep 15.Separately, a joint delegation of the Catholic Association of Goa (CAG) and the Council for Social Justice and Peace (CSJP), led by Fr Savio Fernandes and Cyril Fernandes, raised concerns over the proposed FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026, warning that it could adversely affect civil society and charitable organisations.Kharge assured the delegation that he would oppose provisions harmful to democratic freedoms. The group also urged Congress to consider “clean, new, sincere, youthful” candidates, including Gen Z aspirants, for the 2027 polls. Kharge said the suggestion would receive favourable consideration.
