BICHOLIM, October 1: The Congress’ 27-day Goy Rakhonn Yatra reached Bicholim and Mayem on its 10th day, with Congress leaders and workers engaging with residents and raising issues concerning land, development, governance and Goa’s identity.
Addressing the gathering, Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao announced that if Congress comes to power in 2027, the party will scrap the proposed mega housing project of the House of Abhinandan Lodha Group at Karapur-Sarvan. He also criticised the BJP government over the Shirgao Jatra stampede, alleging that accountability had not been fixed on officers and others responsible for the incident.
GPCC President Girish Chodankar reiterated that Congress would not take back MLAs who had defected from the party and would not give tickets to what he described as “betrayals”. He also urged people not to believe what he termed the BJP’s “false narrative” that Congress would stop welfare schemes if voted to power.
Chodankar said Congress would continue welfare schemes benefiting the common people and would further extend their benefits.
AICC Goa Desk In-charge Manikrao Thakare said the response to the yatra reflected what he described as growing public dissatisfaction with the BJP government. He said the participation in the yatra showed support for Congress’ campaign ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.
The Goy Rakhonn Yatra was launched on September 22 and is covering all 40 Assembly constituencies. The Congress has said the yatra is aimed at highlighting concerns over land conversions, corruption, alleged irregularities, law-and-order issues and governance, while seeking to protect Goa’s land, identity and resources for future generations.
The padyatra commenced from Mayem Panchayat Junction and proceeded towards Bicholim, culminating at Bicholim Bus Stand. The day concluded with a cultural programme featuring performances by local artists.
Several senior Congress leaders participated in the programme, including AICC Goa Co-in-charge Dr Anjali Nimbalkar, GPCC President Girish Chodankar, Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao, MLA and Working President Altone D’Costa, Working President Sunil Kawathankar, Treasurer Datta Naik, activist Swapnesh Sherlekar, Mahila Observer Archana Bhomle, actor and Congress leader Bhupesh Raseen, Youth President Archit Naik, Mahila Congress Chief Dr Pratiksha Khalap, Media Chairman Amarnath Panjikar, Social Media Chairman Himanshu Tivrekar, Adivasi Department Chairman Ramkrishna Jalmi and other local party leaders and workers.
Earlier, under the Yatri Connect initiative, Congress leaders and workers visited Atil Peth, Bicholim, Gaonkarwada and Sunder Peth. They interacted with residents, listened to local concerns and sought feedback on issues affecting people in their daily lives.
The Congress said direct engagement with residents remains a central part of the Goy Rakhonn Yatra, allowing the party to document issues raised by communities across Goa.
The party said the yatra will continue across the remaining constituencies with public interactions, padyatras and community programmes.
