Congress calls AAP-GFP Goa alliance an exchange offer with BJP before 2027 polls
Congress has accused the AAP-GFP Goa alliance of being an exchange offer with the BJP. The charge sharpens Goa's opposition battle as parties position for the 2027 assembly polls.
The Congress on Tuesday accused the Aam Aadmi Party's alliance with the Goa Forward Party of being an "exchange offer" with the ruling BJP, alleging that it was aimed at helping both parties retain political ground in different states ahead of upcoming elections. The party said the arrangement was designed to ensure the BJP's position in Goa and the AAP's in Punjab.
The attack came days after the AAP and Vijai Sardesai-led GFP announced the "Goa First" alliance ahead of the 2027 Goa assembly elections, saying they would challenge the BJP and push for "defections-free" politics. Congress' Goa unit chief Girish Chodankar claimed the alliance had gone against public expectations of a broader opposition front in the state.
Speaking to PTI, Chodankar alleged that the AAP and GFP had entered into an understanding with the BJP. "The 'Goa First' alliance had gone against the aspirations of the people of Goa, who wanted a larger opposition alliance to take on the BJP in the 2027 elections. The AAP must have made an exchange offer ensuring that the BJP will help AAP win Punjab elections, while in Goa, AAP will support BJP," he alleged.
He said the alliance was being formed to serve the BJP's interests rather than those of the people of Goa. "People of Goa are opposed to this unholy alliance and would reject these parties in the polls. They won't be able to win even a single seat. This will be their last election. In Goa, it would be 'Goa Last' for them," Chodankar said.
In the 2022 Goa assembly elections, the BJP emerged as the single largest party with 20 seats in the 40-member House. The Congress won 11 seats, while the AAP got 2, GFP 1, MGP 2, RGP 1 and Independents 3.
Seven months after the election, eight Congress MLAs led by former chief minister Digambar Kamat joined the BJP in September, taking the ruling party's strength in the Assembly to 28. The Congress' latest criticism of the AAP-GFP alliance comes as parties begin positioning themselves for the 2027 elections in Goa.