Daijiworld Media Network – Margao

Margao, Feb 16: The four-day Carnival festivities organised by Vijai Sardesai under the banner of “We for Fatorda” began on a high political note on Saturday, with senior Congress leaders sharing the stage and hinting at a possible alliance for the 2027 Goa Assembly elections.

Addressing a large gathering of revellers, Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) president Amit Patkar declared that the Congress and the Goa Forward Party would form the next government in the state in 2027. The statement, made from Sardesai’s home turf in Fatorda, was seen as a strong political signal amid the festive atmosphere.

Sardesai used the cultural platform to urge voters to oust the BJP-led government in the next Assembly polls and “save Goa.” Striking a populist tone, he reiterated his demand for dual citizenship for Goans settled abroad and warned that if the BJP failed to address the issue, it should be “shown the door” in 2027.

“If Prime Minister Narendra Modi cannot meet the demands of the Goan diaspora, we will find a way. We will show how dual citizenship can be given to Goans working abroad. Let us first remove the BJP and form the government,” Sardesai said.

The event drew attention with the presence of Congress Goa desk in-charge Manikrao Thakare, GPCC chief Amit Patkar, Youth Congress president Archit Naik and former UK MP Keith Vaz on the dais, reflecting what leaders described as growing coordination between the two parties.

In his address, Sardesai said the Goa Forward Party had already placed certain proposals before the Congress and called for swift decisions. “We are in a year that will make or break Goa. Everything will happen this year. Of late, the Congress has been going slow; we want them to go fast,” he remarked.

Emphasising the need for decisive action, Sardesai asserted that a change in government was essential to safeguard Goa’s future. “We need quick decisions that will go a long way in saving Goa for posterity. We are committed to bringing about change,” he said.

With political messaging dominating the cultural celebrations, the Fatorda Carnival has added fresh momentum to Opposition efforts to consolidate forces ahead of the 2027 electoral battle.