AAP Rejects Congress Alliance in Goa: Defection Concerns Loom

Panaji, Oct 9 (PTI) – The Goa unit of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has decided against forming an alliance with the Congress, citing concerns over the dependability of Congress MLAs who may defect to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Despite resignation from AAP Goa’s working president Rajesh Kalangutkar regarding this stance, the central leadership remains firm on not collaborating with other opposition parties for the 2027 assembly elections, fearing it would benefit the current BJP regime.

During his recent visit to the state, AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal reiterated the party’s stance of contesting the elections independently, challenging BJP’s 13-year rule in Goa.

In an official statement, AAP Goa president Amit Palekar cited concerns about Congress MLAs potentially switching allegiances as a primary reason for rejecting an alliance. Palekar questioned who could guarantee that Congress members wouldn't defect to BJP again.

He alleged that the Congress is likely to nominate candidates who might join the BJP if elected, highlighting recent comments by Congress leader and ex-MP Francisco Sardinha concerning the potential defection of Congress MLAs to the BJP if they don't achieve a majority in 2027.

Palekar emphasized that AAP is focused on directly engaging with the Goan populace, who have experienced repeated political defections and misgovernance. The party is committed to preventing another BJP-led government through any alliance that might indirectly facilitate it.

The AAP’s decision follows internal discussions affirming their stance, and as such, the party has accepted Kalangutkar’s resignation. The Aam Aadmi Party, which secured its first electoral victory in Goa in 2022, currently holds two seats in the 40-member state assembly, while Congress holds three. However, historical defections pose a significant concern, with eight out of 11 Congress MLAs joining the BJP post-2022 elections, and 10 Congress legislators previously defecting in 2019.

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