Goa Not For Sale: Rahul Gandhi Joins 'Goy Rakhonn Yatra' to Blast BJP
Rahul Gandhi joins the Congress 'Goy Rakhonn Yatra' to attack the BJP government in Goa, claiming 15 years of misrule and loot.
As the political landscape begins to shift ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi is set to amplify the party's presence in the coastal state. On Sunday, October 18, Gandhi will join the culmination of the Rahul Gandhi Goa Yatra, specifically the 'Goy Rakhonn' (Save Goa) march, which has been underway since September 22.
The high-profile visit is designed to energize the party's base and launch a direct offensive against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Goa.
A Scathing Attack on the Ruling Regime
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Rahul Gandhi did not mince words while announcing his participation. He characterized the BJP's tenure in Goa as a period defined by "misrule and loot," claiming a legacy of corruption spanning 15 years.
In a series of sharp accusations, Gandhi alleged a pattern of "chori" (theft) across multiple fronts. He specifically pointed toward:
- Land and Money: Allegations of land grabbing and financial misappropriation.
- Employment and Representation: Claims of "jobs chori" and "MLA chori."
- Democratic Integrity: A serious charge of "vote chori," suggesting electoral manipulation.
"Together, let's tell the BJP: Goa is not for sale. Goa belongs to its people," Gandhi stated, calling on citizens to join him in defending the state's identity, dignity, and future.
The Route of the Resolve
The final leg of the Goy Rakhonn Yatra is scheduled to begin from Daivadnya Bhavan in Calconda at 3:30 PM. The march will then wind its way toward the Dr Rajendra Prasad Stadium in Margao, where it will conclude in a grand finale.
The Goa Pradesh Congress has expressed immense enthusiasm over Gandhi's participation, describing him as "fearless in spirit" and "unstoppable in purpose." The party aims to turn the areas of Navelim and Margao into a "sea of resolve" as they challenge the BJP's dominance.
The Political Chessboard in Goa
The timing of this yatra is strategic. In the 2022 Assembly elections, the BJP emerged as the single largest party, securing 20 of the 40 seats, while the Congress was reduced to 11. With the next elections expected by March 2027, the battle lines are being drawn early.
Rising Third-Front Challenges
While the Congress ramps up its campaign, other political players are also maneuvering. The Goa Forward Party (GFP) has passed a resolution to align with "like-minded secular political forces" to oust the BJP.
Adding to the complexity is the alliance between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the GFP, announced on September 13 by Arvind Kejriwal and Vijai Sardesai. This alliance has positioned 'Goa First' as a viable alternative to both the BJP and the Congress. Currently, AAP holds two seats in the 40-member Assembly, while the GFP holds one.
Controversy Over Electoral Rolls
Rahul Gandhi's mention of "vote chori" aligns with broader protests by the INDIA Bloc. The alliance has raised concerns regarding alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, leading to demands for accountability from Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.