PANAJI
The Congress party has reiterated that leaders who defected from the party will not be considered for tickets for the upcoming 2027 Assembly elections.
Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) President Girish Chodankar on Tuesday said there should be no confusion or speculation regarding the party's stand on political defectors, reaffirming a decision taken in 2022 under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi.
"The Congress Party has always stood for ideology, commitment and loyalty. Those who abandoned the party for personal ambition and political convenience cannot expect to return and seek rewards at the cost of dedicated Congress workers who stood by the party during its most challenging times," Chodankar said.
He stated that the party values the sacrifices made by loyal workers, leaders and supporters who remained with the organisation despite repeated defections and political pressures.
Chodankar said that loyalty to the party and commitment to public service will continue to be the key criteria for leadership positions and electoral opportunities. He added that the Congress remains focused on strengthening its grassroots organisation and preparing for future elections with workers who have earned the trust of the people through consistent service.
"The message is clear. The Congress Party stands by those who stood by the Congress Party when it mattered most. There is no change in the decision taken under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, and there will be no compromise on the principles of loyalty, integrity and political accountability," he said.
The clarification comes amid ongoing political discussions over the possibility of former Congress leaders seeking a return to the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
In September 2022, eight Congress MLAs defected to the BJP, including Michael Lobo, Digambar Kamat, Sankalp Amonkar, Delilah Lobo, Rajesh Faldesai, Kedar Naik, Aleixo Sequeira and Rudolf Fernandes.
The Goa Congress had suffered a similar setback in 2019 when 10 of its 15 MLAs switched to the BJP. Following that episode, the party had made its 2022 Assembly election candidates take a loyalty pledge in the presence of Rahul Gandhi, although eight MLAs later defected to the ruling party.
The GPCC said it remains committed to rebuilding public trust and presenting a credible alternative to the BJP government through principled politics and grassroots leadership.
