Margao: Talks between Congress and RG on forging an alliance for the 2027 assembly elections have progressed on positive lines, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to opposition unity and to working out a common minimum programme (CMP) to take on BJP.State Congress president Girish Chodankar and leader of opposition Yuri Alemao met RG MLA Viresh Borkar and the party’s alliance committee chairperson Amol Navelkar for what both sides described as a constructive round of discussions aimed at strengthening opposition ranks ahead of the polls.“The alliance is the need of the hour, as the people of Goa have suffered under BJP’s divisive and destructive governance,” Congress said in a statement after the meeting. “It is our duty to stand united and ensure that the voice of every Goemkar is heard, respected and protected.”Speaking to TOI after the meeting, Chodankar said the talks were positive and productive. “Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to defeating BJP,” he said.“The alliance committees of both parties will meet shortly to iron out the finer details — any differences or potential areas of conflict that could stand in the way of a common minimum programme. For now, it has been agreed that we will come together,” Chodankar said.He added that both parties were alive to the possibility that BJP would try to scuttle opposition unity. “Both parties are aware that govt will make every effort to break any attempt by opposition forces to unite, and we have resolved to resist any such attempt. Our commitment is to the people of Goa, and these talks will proceed keeping Goemkar at the centre,” he said.On the possibility of other opposition parties joining the arrangement, Chodankar said the door remained open. “We remain open to talks with other opposition parties. Should they approach us, we will engage with them. We await their response,” he said.Sources in RG said the talks were progressing on expected lines, with both sides keen on stitching up an alliance. While discussions are yet to reach the seat-sharing stage, the sources said RG would stake claim to seats where it has a strong presence and had outperformed Congress in the 2022 assembly polls and the 2025 ZP elections. According to RG sources, Congress trailed RG in at least 15 seats in these contests.“We don’t see this as much of a hindrance, since Congress is aware of its limitations in those seats,” an RG source said. “We are sure an arrangement will be worked out in the best interest of the alliance.”
