Goa Congress protesting against the mass defections of 2022 (Photo: X.com/amitspatkar)1On the second anniversary of the mass defection by eight of it’s sitting MLA’s in Goa, the Congress party has taken a firm stance against its former members who defected to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In a gathering at Lohia Maidan, Margao, on Saturday, Congress leaders and supporters pledged to defeat these eight defector MLAs in the upcoming 2027 Goa Assembly elections.
The party has reiterated its commitment to not re-admit or grant tickets to any of the defectors, maintaining the same policy it followed during the 2022 polls. This decision comes as a response to the political betrayal that shook the party two years ago when eight of its MLAs switched allegiance to the BJP.
South Goa Member of Parliament, Capt Viraito Fernandes, did not mince words when addressing the crowd. He singled out Margao MLA Digambar Kamat, accusing him of orchestrating the defection. Fernandes stated, “Kamat is the master of defection. He, along with others, has not only betrayed the Congress, but also deceived the people and even God. Such individuals should not be allowed to hold positions of power.”
The Leader of Opposition, Yuri Alemao, echoed these sentiments, alleging that the defectors’ actions were driven by self-interest rather than development. “These eight MLAs defected to the BJP not for the sake of development, but for their own self-interest,” Alemao said. “This defection is a murder of democracy. Both we and the people of Goa are feeling ashamed of what they have done for personal gain.”
Alemao further accused the BJP of operating as a “factory that manufactures defectors” and highlighted ongoing issues in the state. “Currently, we are witnessing massive environmental destruction, rampant corruption and the looting of Goa,” he stated. “The reckless sale of Goa’s land is also evident.”
Quepem MLA Altone D’Costa emphasized the voters’ role in preventing future defections, saying, “Now, voters must ensure that such defections never occur in Goa again, and teach a lesson to those responsible.”
The Congress leaders also leveled serious accusations against the defector MLAs, claiming their involvement in activities detrimental to Goa’s interests, including land sales, environmental degradation, and corruption.
As the 2027 elections approach, the Congress party’s resolve to counter defections and reclaim lost ground in Goan politics appears stronger than ever. The coming years will reveal whether this strategy resonates with the electorate and translates into electoral success.
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