Margao: The All India Congress Committee (AICC) in charge for Goa, Manickrao Thakre, on Saturday said Congress will forge an alliance with parties sharing its ideology and willing to contest against BJP. The alliance, he said, will be governed by a common minimum programme.The decision was taken by the political affairs committee of the party.He said state Congress president Girish Chodankar will lead the talks with interested parties, adding that “Congress is ready for elections whenever they may be held.”Chodankar, who took over as state Congress chief recently, reached out to potential allies and estranged members alike. “I appeal to all political parties desirous of defeating BJP to join hands with Congress,” he said.He also extended an open invitation to those who had distanced themselves from the party. “I appeal to all those people who have gone away from Congress for whatever reasons to come back to the party to strengthen it to fight BJP. The entry will be unconditional — joining Congress doesn’t mean confirmation of party ticket for elections,” Chodankar said.However, he drew a firm line on defectors. “The party has already made its stand clear on defectors — they will not be given entry, directly or indirectly. This was people’s demand; we have only accepted it,” he said.Leader of opposition Yuri Alemao expressed confidence in the party’s prospects, asserting that “Congress will win 27 seats in the 2027 assembly election.” He said the Goem Rakhon Yatra, to be launched on Sep 22, “will be a major movement against corruption, and will raise all major issues concerning Goans.”AICC co-incharge Anjali Nimbalkar, Quepem MLA Altone D’Costa, and Aldona MLA Carlos Ferreira, were also present for the press briefing.
