Panaji, September 13, 2026: In a significant political development ahead of the 2027 Goa Legislative Assembly elections, the Indian National Congress and the Revolutionary Goans Party (RGP) have reached an in-principle understanding to fight the elections together, with the clear objective of defeating the BJP and providing Goa with a strong, stable and credible alternative government.
The understanding was reached after an intensive three-and-a-half-hour meeting between the alliance committees of both parties, during which the political situation in Goa and the growing concerns of Goans were discussed at length.
The two parties recognised that division of the anti-BJP vote has repeatedly benefited the BJP, despite growing public anger over issues concerning land, unemployment, environmental destruction, corruption, governance and the erosion of Goa’s identity.
Congress and RGP have therefore taken the political initiative to put Goa above party interests and work towards preventing the fragmentation of votes that oppose the BJP.
The discussions focused on building a common political platform to protect Goa’s land, identity, environment, cultural heritage, employment opportunities and natural resources, while ensuring that Goa’s future is not sacrificed for the benefit of a few.
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao said both sides came to the table with their respective priorities and discussed them frankly.
“They brought their points to the table and we brought ours. Every issue was discussed thoroughly. We have agreed in principle to fight the elections together because our primary objective is to save Goa and protect the interests of Goans. The people of Goa want change, and we must ensure that the anti-BJP vote is not divided.”
RGP State President Shavina S. Naik Shirodkar said the discussions were constructive and centred on the future of Goa.
“We deliberated for more than three-and-a-half hours on how Goa’s core issues should be taken forward. Protecting the interests, rights and future of Goans remains our priority. The political process must remain focused on the people and not on individual ambitions.”
RGP National President and St. Andre MLA Viresh Borkar stressed that the proposed understanding must remain rooted in the aspirations of ordinary Goans.
South Goa MP Capt. Viriato Fernandes said the larger challenge before Goa was to bring together genuine political forces committed to protecting the State.
GPCC President Girish Chodankar said the Congress-RGP understanding marks an important step towards creating a united electoral alternative to the BJP.
“This is not an alliance for the sake of numbers. This is a political initiative to save Goa. The BJP has benefited for too long from the fragmentation of votes that want change. We cannot allow the same mistake to be repeated in 2027.”
Chodankar said the people of Goa are looking for a government that will protect their interests rather than serve vested interests.
“Goans are witnessing their land being converted, their environment being compromised, employment opportunities shrinking and the interests of ordinary citizens being pushed aside. The 2027 election must become a decisive battle for Goa’s future. Congress and RGP have taken the first step towards ensuring that the people get a united and credible alternative.”
He said the understanding was based on mutual respect, political maturity and a shared commitment to Goa.
“Our message is very clear: Goa cannot afford another divided opposition. Every vote that wants to defeat the BJP must count. We will work with all seriousness to ensure that the anti-BJP vote is consolidated and that the BJP is removed from power in 2027.”
Chodankar said the finer details of the electoral understanding, including seat-sharing and other organisational matters, would be discussed in the coming days.
“There will be further discussions and negotiations. We will approach every issue with maturity and flexibility. The only red line is Goa’s interest. Our priority is to unite, fight and win for Goa.”
The Congress delegation comprised GPCC President Girish Chodankar, Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao, Working President M. K. Shaikh and South Goa MP Capt. Viriato Fernandes.
The RGP delegation comprised National President and St. Andre MLA Viresh Borkar, State President Shavina S. Naik Shirodkar and Alliance Coordination Committee Chairman Amol Navelkar, along with members of the respective alliance committees.
The two parties will continue discussions to translate the in-principle understanding into a concrete electoral framework ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.
Chodankar said the political message from the meeting was unambiguous:
“2027 will be a fight to save Goa. We will unite the anti-BJP vote, defeat the BJP and put Goa’s interests first. Goa deserves a government that belongs to Goans, works for Goans and is accountable to Goans.”
