Daijiworld Media Network - Margao

Margao, Feb 7: Congress president Amit Patkar on Friday made it clear that the party will not compromise on constituencies where it has a strong organisational presence while negotiating alliances, asserting that seats currently held by Congress MLAs are strictly off the table.

Outlining the party’s strategy ahead of alliance discussions, Patkar said the Congress remains open to seat-sharing arrangements with like-minded parties, but only in areas where it is electorally weak or has a limited vote base. Stronghold constituencies, he emphasised, will stay firmly with the party irrespective of coalition talks.

Responding to questions about ties with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Patkar rejected claims that Congress was responsible for the collapse of alliance negotiations. He said it was AAP’s decision to contest the recent Zilla Parishad elections on its own that led to the situation, not any reluctance on Congress’ part.

Patkar’s remarks signal a firm negotiating stance as opposition parties explore possible alliances while preparing for upcoming electoral battles.