Daijiworld Media Network – Margao

Margao, Oct 6: After the high-profile weekend visits of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, the Congress is all set to hit the ground with its ‘Vote Chori’ campaign in Salcete and South Goa on Monday.

The campaign will be launched by Congress Goa desk in-charge Manikrao Thakare from Chinchinim, the native village of AAP MLA Cruz Silva of Velim constituency. The initiative is seen as the party’s counteroffensive against both the BJP and AAP following their recent attacks on Congress during their respective visits.

While the ‘Vote Chori’ campaign primarily targets the BJP, party insiders say launching it from Chinchinim reflects Congress’ intent to consolidate its traditional support base in Salcete ahead of the upcoming elections.

“BJP may not be the main rival in most Salcete constituencies. Here, our focus will be on AAP and emerging independents,” said a senior Congress leader.

Besides Manikrao Thakare, the event will see the participation of Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao, MLAs Altone D’Costa and Carlos Alvares, and South Goa MP Captain Viriato Fernandes.

According to Congress South Goa district president Savio D’Silva, the campaign will begin at the Congress office in Chinchinim at 11 am. It will then move through Sao Jose de Areal, where Captain Viriato Fernandes will distribute bikes to differently-abled beneficiaries under the MPLAD funds initiative, before proceeding through Curtorim, Navelim, and Margao, and concluding at Fatorda.

The campaign marks Congress’ major outreach drive to rally grassroots workers and reclaim lost ground in South Goa’s politically significant Salcete belt.