Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Sep 19: AICC Goa in-charge Manikrao Thakare on Saturday said the Congress would continue efforts to unite opposition parties against the BJP, maintaining that its doors remained open to parties willing to come together.

Speaking after a meeting to review preparations for the Congress' Goy Rakhonn Yatra, scheduled to begin on September 22, Thakare said the party discussed the campaign strategy, possible shortcomings and measures to make the programme successful.

"People who want to defeat BJP should come forward. Congress is a major party," Thakare said.

He said the Congress had reached out to parties including the Revolutionary Goans Party (RGP) and Goa Forward Party (GFP) as part of its efforts to build a united opposition.

"Be it the RGP party, be it Vijai Sardesai's party, or any party that wants to fight against the BJP, we have tried our best to bring them all together," he said.

Thakare said the Congress would not shut the door on potential allies despite differences in public statements.

"We have always kept the doors open. We have never talked about closing them. As long as the people want, we will try to fight together against the BJP. This is the voice of the people, not ours," he said.

Asked about criticism of the Congress by other parties through statements and banners, Thakare said the party would continue to focus on opposition unity rather than engage in a public war of words.

"Our senior leaders want to fight against the BJP together. Everyone has repeated this again and again. We have tried in all ways, and we will still do it," he said.

On GFP chief Vijai Sardesai's call for parties to put "Goa First", Thakare said the Congress had already made its position clear.

"I have clarified the role of the Congress Party in front of you. It will maintain the same role," he said.

He urged parties seeking to take on the BJP to avoid attacking one another.

"The party that wants to fight against the BJP, they should come together. They should not speak against each other," Thakare said.

Thakare added that the Congress would maintain a common position on the alliance issue, with the Goa Pradesh Congress Committee president expected to make formal statements on behalf of the state unit.

Amit Patkar's role

Thakare also defended former GPCC president Amit Patkar amid questions over his participation in party-level discussions.

"We have called him to every committee. He should come and give suggestions. He should speak in meetings," Thakare said.

On candidate selection, he said the Congress was following its established process and there was no confusion within the party.

"The Congress Party is united and strong. Everyone is talking with one voice. There is no confusion in the Congress Party. All the leaders are together," he said.

Thakare did not give a specific date for announcing candidates, saying the selection process would be undertaken as the election approaches.

Yatra to raise key issues

Thakare said the Goy Rakhonn Yatra, beginning September 22, would raise issues including law and order, women's safety, environmental concerns, passenger safety and land-related matters.

He said the Congress wanted the Yatra to serve as a platform for people and political groups sharing concerns over government policies.

"Whoever thinks that this is the right thing to do, all of them should come together in this Yatra. We request everyone to come together and make this Yatra successful," he said.

With the Goa Assembly elections around six months away, Thakare said the Congress would continue working towards building a united opposition.

"Whoever wants to fight against the BJP, they need to prepare the environment in such a way to go together," he said.