BENAULIM, October 6, 2026: The Congress-led Goy Rakhonn Yatra reached the Benaulim Assembly constituency on Tuesday, with Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) President Girish Chodankar and Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao targeting the BJP government over alleged divisive politics, unemployment and issues concerning Goa’s identity.
Addressing the gathering, Chodankar alleged that Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and the BJP were attempting to disturb Goa’s traditional social and religious harmony for electoral gains.
“People from outside Goa are being invited and provided a platform to criticise our traditions and Goemcho Saib, St. Francis Xavier. Goa has always been known for religious harmony and communal peace. We will not allow anyone to destroy this social harmony,” Chodankar said.
He accused the BJP government of using divisive politics to divert attention from issues such as unemployment, rising costs, governance and the alleged sale of Goa’s resources.
Chodankar also criticised political parties claiming to offer a “non-BJP, non-Congress” alternative, alleging that such forces could divide the anti-BJP vote.
“Our fight is against the BJP. The BJP does not fight us directly; it uses others,” he said, urging voters to remain alert against attempts to fragment the opposition vote.
Yuri Alemao Calls for Opposition Unity
Speaking at the programme, LoP Yuri Alemao said the Goy Rakhonn Yatra belonged to the people of Goa and urged voters to remain vigilant against political attempts to divide the Congress and the anti-BJP vote.
“The BJP has tried to create divisions within the Congress, and other parties are also making similar attempts. People must remain vigilant against them,” Alemao said.
Alemao alleged that the BJP government had failed to provide adequate employment opportunities for Goan youth and raised concerns over difficulties faced by taxi operators.
He also criticised the government over programmes and events being conducted across constituencies, alleging that attempts were being made to dilute Goa’s liberal and inclusive identity.
“Our strength lies in our unity. Our fight is not against any religion or community. This is a fight for every Goan and for the future of Goa,” Alemao said.
He further appealed to Goans to remain united in protecting the state’s land, identity and future.
Congress Targets ‘Goa First’ Alliance
Quepem MLA Altone D’Costa, without naming individual political leaders, criticised the parties that have come together under the “Goa First” banner.
He alleged that the alliance could result in the division of votes and appealed to voters to remain united.
“Today, at the eleventh hour, certain leaders have come together in the name of ‘Goa First’ with the apparent objective of dividing votes. But beyond every slogan, Goa must come first,” D’Costa said.
He urged voters not to fall for promises and called on them to support the Congress.
Congress leaders also raised concerns over taxi operators’ difficulties, employment and other local issues during the programme.
Yatra Activities in Benaulim
The 15th day of the Goy Rakhonn Yatra began with the hoisting of the Congress flag at the Congress Block Office, followed by public outreach activities and distribution of awareness leaflets at Cavelossim, Carmona Fish Market, Odli Avenue, Suravali and Colva.
In the afternoon, Congress workers and leaders conducted a padayatra from Dando Ground, proceeding along the main road before concluding at Varca Sports Club.
The evening gathering featured speeches by Congress leaders and supporters, followed by a cultural programme featuring Konkani songs by Erisha Colaco, Kharvi dance by the Eliosha troupe, Risban Grecious and Kothi Fugdi.
Several senior Congress leaders, office-bearers, district and block-level leaders, youth and Mahila Congress representatives and local party workers participated in the programme.
